Minnesota Renters Guide to Solar Power Credits and Utility Savings

Many renters in Minnesota want to save on utility costs and help the environment, but wonder if they can benefit from solar power credits. Thanks to Minnesota laws and programs, even if you don't own your roof, you may be able to access savings through shared solar (community solar gardens) and by understanding how utility charges and credits are handled between tenants and landlords. Here’s what you need to know, explained simply for renters.

Can Minnesota Renters Get Solar Power Credits?

Minnesota was one of the first states to offer a Community Solar Garden (CSG) program, allowing renters or anyone without a roof to subscribe and receive credits on their utility bill. If your landlord or property participates in a CSG, or if you pay your electric bill directly, you may be eligible to receive these benefits.

• Community Solar Gardens: Large groups of solar panels operated by a utility or private developer. Renters can subscribe for a share and get a credit on their monthly electric bill.
• Onsite Solar: If a building installs solar panels, credits or savings may or may not be passed to renters, depending on your lease agreement.

If you pay your utility bill directly to Xcel Energy (Minnesota’s primary electric utility), you can subscribe to a CSG and see credits on your bill. If utilities are bundled into your rent, you'll need to discuss options with your landlord.

Understanding Utility Billing and Credits for Tenants

Minnesota law protects tenants regarding utility billing and transparency. According to Minnesota Statutes, Section 504B.215, landlords must clearly state how utility charges are allocated, especially if tenants do not have separate meters. This can affect how solar credits or savings are shared with you.

• If you have a separate meter and pay the electric company directly, you control your bill and can receive CSG credits.
• If utilities are included with rent (master metered), your landlord decides if and how credits are applied. Ask for documentation on any billing arrangements and solar credits.

Getting Credit for Community Solar: A Step-By-Step Example

Here’s how a Minnesota renter might sign up for and benefit from a community solar garden credit:

• Check if your utility (such as Xcel Energy) allows renters to join CSGs. Xcel does – see their official solar programs page.
• Contact a CSG developer or the utility and sign up for a share (usually a monthly contract).
• Credits reduce your electric bill—your participation must be on your electric account.
• If your landlord is interested, see if the whole building can participate for group savings.

If disputes arise over utility charges or credits, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission oversees utility complaints, and general rental disputes are handled by Minnesota Housing Court (part of the state district court system under the Minnesota Judicial Branch Housing Court).

Relevant Official Forms

• Utility Disclosure Form – No standardized statewide form number, but landlords often use a "Utility Disclosure" as required by Minnesota Statutes 504B.215 to meet legal duty. Use when moving in or amending your lease to clarify how utilities (and solar credits) are billed. See the Attorney General's overview of utility disclosure requirements.
• Utility Complaint Form – File complaints about billing practices or disputes with the Minnesota PUC's Consumer Complaints page. Used if you believe you’re not getting proper credits or clear information from your landlord or utility.

If your lease includes language about sharing "renewable energy credits," get written clarification from your landlord on how credits or solar savings are distributed.

Your Rights and Minnesota Tenant Laws

All renters are protected under Minnesota Landlord and Tenant Statutes (Chapter 504B). This covers issues like lease disclosures, utility charges, and challenging improper utility billing or disconnections.

• Transparency: Landlords must provide written disclosure about how utilities are charged.
• Fair Billing: If your utilities are sub-metered or individually billed, charges must be reasonable and not exceed the utility’s rate.
• Complaint Process: You can contact the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for utility-related concerns or the Housing Court for rental disputes.

If you are denied a solar credit you believe you are eligible for, gather documentation (lease, bills, utility correspondence) and contact the appropriate agency listed below for guidance.

FAQ: Solar Power Credits and Tenant Savings for Minnesota Renters

1. Can I sign up for a community solar garden if I am a renter?
   Yes. In Minnesota, if you pay your electric bill directly to your provider, you can subscribe to a community solar garden and receive credits. If utilities are bundled into your rent, discuss options with your landlord.
2. Do landlords have to share solar savings or credits with renters?
   Not automatically. If utilities are master-metered or included in rent, sharing credits depends on your lease and the landlord’s discretion. Ask for written clarification.
3. What can I do if I think I'm not getting proper utility credits?
   Gather lease documentation and billing statements, then contact the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission or use their utility complaint form online.
4. Does having solar power affect my rent price?
   Not directly. Solar power can lower utility costs, but rent prices are set by landlords. However, savings may be reflected in utility billing if you pay directly.
5. What law protects my rights as a Minnesota renter regarding utilities?
   Your rights are protected under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 504B, and utility transparency is specifically addressed in Section 504B.215.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• You may be eligible for savings from solar power credits if you pay your electric bill directly.
• Landlords must disclose how utilities (including solar credits) are billed if it affects your rent or charges.
• For utility disputes, use the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s formal complaint process.

Understanding utility allocation and your lease is key to getting the full benefit of renewable energy programs as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Minnesota Public Utilities Commission: Utility Complaints – For utility billing and credit disputes.
• Minnesota Attorney General – Utility Disclosure – Overview of utility billing transparency for renters.
• Minnesota Judicial Branch: Housing Court – Handles general rental disagreements, including utility billing issues.
• Minnesota Landlord and Tenant Statutes (Chapter 504B) – Read your legal rights in full.

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1. See Minnesota Landlord and Tenant Law, Chapter 504B for tenant protections and utility billing rights.
2. Official complaint procedures for utility issues: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission: Utility Complaints.
3. Community Solar program details: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Xcel Energy’s Solar Information.
4. For more on utility disclosure requirements: Minnesota Attorney General – Utility Disclosure.

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