Minnesota Lawmakers Move Bill to Halt Community Solar Program, Threatening Local Economy and Energy Savings for Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2025
Saint Paul, MN– Senate Bill 2855 and its companion House bill aim to end Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden program, a critical initiative that has provided affordable, equitable, and cost-effective local solar options.
The Community Solar Garden program has been essential in advancing Minnesota’s clean energy goals while providing cost savings, energy independence, and local economic growth. However, the introduced bill sponsored by Sen. Nick A. Frentz, Sen. Bill Weber, and Sen. John A. Hoffman calls for the program to be shut down by July 31, 2028, threatening the loss of local clean energy jobs, weakening the energy grid, and driving up energy costs.
“Minnesota’s Community Solar Garden program is expected to deliver billions in benefits, reduced energy costs, and increased access to clean energy. Despite this, lawmakers are now seeking to end it,” said Vote Solar’s Midwest Regional Director, Patty O’Keefe. “At a time when we need more affordable and independent energy, not less, Minnesota lawmakers should be advancing policies that benefit communities, not siding with profit-driven utilities.”
Last year, the program was modernized to expand its access to low-to-moderate-income (LMI) residents delivering the benefits of community solar to more communities. The proposed sunset would cut it off before it has a chance to deliver on its promise, undermining efforts to provide affordable clean energy to those who need it most. A study done by the Minnesota Department of Commerce showed that the program delivered $2.92 billion in net benefits to Minnesota, vastly outweighing its cost. In addition, the study showed that customers received a 3-8% reduction in their bills and projected that the program would generate $139 million in net benefits for LMI subscribers and $116 million for non-LMI subscribers.
“This program is not just crucial for achieving Minnesota’s clean energy goals, it’s a lifeline for families struggling to afford their energy bills,” said O’Keefe. “We urge Minnesota lawmakers to focus on the communities that rely on initiatives like the Community Solar Garden and to uphold their responsibility to serve them.”
About Vote Solar
Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar and clean energy solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build a just and equitable energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.