Minnesota legislators vote to preserve community solar program

After pressure from communities and advocacy organizations like Vote Solar, lawmakers pulled repeal language from SB 2855 and its House companion — protecting Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden program.

The Community Solar Garden program has been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s clean energy transition, poised to deliver billions in economic benefits, lowering energy costs for all subscribers and expanding affordable access to solar energy, particularly for low-to-moderate-income residents.

“During a time when state-level action is crucial, it is a major win to see that Minnesota lawmakers side with communities and the clean energy advocates to keep the Community Solar Garden program intact,” said Patty O’Keefe, Vote Solar’s Midwest Regional Director. “We thank our champions in the legislature who stood strong in defense of this program and recognize that community needs and the state’s climate goals are far more important than utility profits.”

Because of the rejected proposed repeal, Minnesotans will now see the results from last year’s modernization of the Community Solar Garden program, ensuring that more households, including low-to-moderate-income (LMI) communities, can now access the benefits of local clean energy. A Minnesota Department of Commerce study found that the program is projected to deliver $2.92 billion in net benefits to the state, with ongoing savings projected to reduce energy bills by 3 to 8% for both LMI and non-LMI customers. With bipartisan support in both chambers, the bill is now headed to the Governor’s desk.

“This isn’t just a policy win, this is a community win,” said O’Keefe. “Protecting community solar means protecting access to affordable, reliable, clean energy for all Minnesotans across the state.”

News item from Vote Solar