Solar developers rush to start projects before federal tax credits expire Companies are moving more quickly – and sometimes taking greater risks – to meet new deadlines imposed by the Trump administration.

MN’s solar industry is feeling the pressure.

Developers are racing to meet new federal tax credit deadlines, accelerating timelines and reshaping projects across the state.

Strong, stable state policy matters more than ever.

⚡ Read more: www.startribune.com/solar-develo...

"MnSEIA, SEIA, and CCSA Issue Joint Statement on the Approval of Xcel Energy’s Capacity Connect Proposal"

Read our full joint statement here: mnseia.org/mnseia-seia-...
Collaboration and stakeholder engagement are essential to maximize Minnesota’s clean energy potential.

While headlines focus on the approval, our joint statement emphasizes the need for equitable participation, transparent markets, and fair compensation for distributed energy resources in Minnesota.

Last week, the Minnesota PUC approved Xcel’s Capacity Connect program, Minnesota’s first utility-operated virtual power plant. MnSEIA co-signed a joint statement with
SEIA and CCSA advocating for fair opportunity for solar + storage owners.

Competing for power: Minnesota tribal nation, electric utility tangle over solar energy’s future The state Public Utilities Commission is weighing whether a tribal nation that buys power from a local electric cooperative can also operate its own massive solar array that may harm the co-op. The ca...

“A lot of people want the ability to control their own energy future.”

That’s what’s at stake in an MN case that could determine whether tribal nations can generate their own solar power. This moment could have lasting implications.

🔽 Read more: www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...

Minnesota’s community solar program has been a national success since 2013.

The MN House has passed legislation to rename the program in honor of former Speaker Melissa Hortman, recognizing her leadership in launching the policy.

www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily...

Minnesota’s distributed capacity procurement decision could shape the grid far beyond its borders The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission should approve a framework that supports open, competitive participation, writes Coalition for Community Solar Access CEO Jeff Cramer.

Minnesota’s distributed energy future is at a pivotal moment.

MnSEIA and CCSA are working together to keep the grid open to third party aggregation of distributed energy resources like solar, storage, and demand response.

www.utilitydive.com/news/minneso...

MnSEIA’s Executive Director, @logan-ogrady.bsky.social, shared insights with Finance & Commerce on how federal incentive changes are shaping Minnesota’s solar market and why now is an important moment for businesses and nonprofits considering solar.

Read more: finance-commerce.com/2026/01/hom-...

MnSEIA has released a statement regarding ICE activity in Minnesota. Please read the full statement below.

Xcel defends storage ownership in distributed capacity pilot The Minnesota utility floated modifications to its Capacity*Connect proposal, but it maintained it should own the batteries as it builds out the program. Stakeholders argued for more competition.

New from Utility Dive: Xcel Energy responds to stakeholder feedback on its proposed Capacity*Connect distributed storage program.

MnSEIA participated in the stakeholder process, sharing input on utility ownership and competitive market considerations.

www.utilitydive.com/news/xcel-de...

Minnesota doesn't have an easy path to 100% carbon-free electricity • Minnesota Reformer Minnesota already gets more than half of its electricity from wind, solar, nuclear and other resources that don’t emit planet-warming carbon dioxide or air pollutants that harm human health. Power pla...

Worth a read from @minnesotareformer.com on Minnesota’s path to 100% carbon-free electricity. As the state works toward its clean energy goals, solar remains an important part of Minnesota’s energy mix. minnesotareformer.com/2026/01/05/m...

Thank you to everyone who joined MnSEIA’s Young Professionals in Clean Energy at Minneapolis Cider Company last night! It was wonderful to welcome so many new faces.

Thank you to Stoel Rives for making this event possible.

Chart: Solar is driving renewable energy to new heights around the… Between 2025 and 2030, the world is expected to build nearly 4,600 gigawatts of renewables — almost double the amount built over the previous five-year…

Global solar is booming! The world will add nearly 4,600 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with solar leading the way.
Smart, decisive action can protect consumers, attract investment, and boost Minnesota’s clean energy leadership.

📈 www.canarymedia.com/articles/cle...

Olmsted County receives state grants for eight solar projects on county buildings State awards $381,000 for $544,000 worth of project, with expectation of federal support to cover remaining costs.

Olmsted County secured state and federal grants to install solar on eight public buildings. The project will reduce energy costs and allow more funds to be reinvested in the community.

www.postbulletin.com/news/local/o...

🏆 Solar Advocacy Award: Kim Benjamin, MN Solar and More
🏆 Agency Excellence Recognition Award: MN Department of Agriculture
🏆 Member of the Year: Heliene
🏆 Melissa Hortman Lifetime Achievement Award: John Farrell, Institute for Local Self-Reliance

🏆 Solar Project of the Year: Blue Horizon Energy – Excelsior Crossings
🏆 Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Timothy DenHerder-Thomas & Pouya Najmaie, Cooperative Energy Futures
🏆 Distinguished Policy Leadership: Rep. Andrew Myers, Rep. Larry Kraft, Sen. Julia Coleman, Sen. Scott Dibble

MnSEIA is excited to celebrate our 2025 Gateway to Solar Award winners! These leaders are driving MN’s solar & energy storage forward. See them recognized at Day 2’s Awards Luncheon:

bit.ly/GatewaytoSol...

The MN Court of Appeals upheld retroactive cuts to community solar contracts, creating uncertainty for families, communities & businesses statewide. This breaks trust in long-term deals and threatens Minnesota’s clean energy goals.

Read more: www.mnseia.org/supreme-cour...

As rooftop solar gets hammered, virtual power plants offer a way… VPPs built out of home solar and battery systems could bolster the overtaxed power grid, lower energy costs for consumers, and help invigorate a…

Virtual power plants use rooftop solar and batteries to create flexible energy networks that strengthen the grid and lower costs.

Check out this ‪@canarymedia.com‬ article to learn how VPPs and rooftop solar can work together to power a more resilient Minnesota.
www.canarymedia.com/articles/vir...

Minnesotans push ahead with solar amid Trump opposition • Minnesota Reformer The future of projects like these are in doubt since the election of President Donald Trump.

Minnesota is charging ahead with solar ⚡

Amid national pushback on clean energy, Minnesotans and stakeholders like MnSEIA member Cooperative Energy Futures are investing in what matters: accessible, community-based solar.

minnesotareformer.com/2025/07/28/m...

Investments in community solar continue despite federal headwinds A $275 million tax equity investment will go toward between 25 and 30 community solar projects across five states.

Community solar is proving to be resilient. Expanding access to affordable, local power for more Minnesotans.

We’re excited to see MnSEIA member NautilusSolar acquire 12 MN projects totaling 16.8 MW!

pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/07/23/i...

Happy 1-year work anniversary to David Moberg, MnSEIA’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Associate! 🎉

Over the past year, David has been a key part of MnSEIA’s policy team, supporting our regulatory efforts and helping advocate for MN’s solar + storage industry.

Last call! Today’s the final day to apply for MnSEIA’s Board of Directors.

Help lead Minnesota’s clean energy future, support the solar workforce, and advance equity in our industry.

Apply by the end of the day: forms.gle/wdbyau2Aem3a...

MnSEIA’s David Moberg had the chance to visit a 6 5MW community solar sites in Colorado, developed by member company US Solar, while in town for the #CommunitySolarSummit.

Crews from fellow MnSEIA members Knobelsdorff and Frattalone were on-site driving piles and trenching during the visit.

MnSEIA's @logan-ogrady.bsky.social joined Nick Bowman and Kate Daniel from the Coalition for Community Solar Access at the #CommunitySolarSummit today for a discussion on the latest legislative developments in Minnesota and Maine. We’re proud to represent Minnesota on the national stage!

MnSEIA’s Summer Solstice Sale is extended through June 27!

Save 10% on tickets and sponsorships for Gateway to Solar, one of the Midwest’s top solar + storage conferences, supporting our year-round policy work.

🎟️ Register now: bit.ly/GatewaytoSol...

Minnesota solar industry mourns loss of its five-star general Melissa Hortman was a champion of climate action and climate justice, the solar industry, and community and other distributed generation.

MnSEIA was honored to be quoted in pv magazine's tribute to Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.

We mourn the loss of a visionary leader who transformed community solar in Minnesota and across the country. We are committed to continuing her important work.

pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/06/18/m...

MnSEIA stayed strong at the Capitol this session. Over 50 members testified or submitted comments, helping defend key clean energy policies during a challenging year.

📖 Check out the full details in our press release: buff.ly/I1QpU2l

#Solar #EnergySky #MnLeg

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 —

Community Solar Gardens are one of the most equitable forms of #solar by cutting energy costs for renters and underserved communities while strengthening the grid. MnSEIA is proud to see the program protected.

www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/06/minn...
#MnLeg #EnergySky