Sheep graze at a solar installation near St. Cloud, Minnesota. Photo credit: Zach Miller. Below text courtesy of Brian Strub, Minnesota Department of Commerce.

More than $1 million in incentives are currently available to help lower energy bills and reduce the cost of adding battery storage to solar energy systems for homeowners, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations across Minnesota.

Battery storage allows homeowners and businesses to store electricity produced by solar panels and use it later, including when the sun isn't shining. Customers may be able to reduce their energy bills by storing some of the solar energy they produce for later use. Additionally, if a battery storage unit is coupled with the appropriate energy management system, storage units can be equipped to provide power during outages, providing increased reliability, comfort, and peace of mind.

The state’s Battery Energy Storage Incentive Program provides incentives of $250 per kilowatt-hour of battery capacity, up to $7,000 for eligible customers outside Xcel Energy's service territory. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is managed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. There is a separate battery storage program for Xcel Energy customers.

Learn more about the state’s Battery Energy Storage Incentive at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website.