Net metering customers
29,371
11.3 per 1,000 homes
Capacity
358.1 MW
12.2 kW per customer
Efficiency incentives per home
$12.41
25th of 50
Average price
15.83 cents
8% below the US average
Net metering in Minnesota
Utilities in Minnesota reported 29,371 residential customers on net metering in 2025, with 358.1 megawatts of capacity, which averages 12.2 kilowatts per customer. That is 11.3 customers per 1,000 homes. Among the 51 places that reported, Minnesota ranks 34th, and the national ranking is on the net metering by state page.
| Utility | Net metering customers | Megawatts |
|---|---|---|
| Xcel Energy Minnesota | 16,190 | 122.5 |
| Dakota Electric Association | 1,742 | 17.0 |
| Connexus Energy | 1,475 | 13.4 |
| ALLETE | 1,210 | 11.8 |
| MiEnergy Cooperative | 854 | 13.8 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), net metering schedule, residential. The count covers net metering only. Solar homes on other export arrangements are tracked separately by EIA.
What an exported kWh is worth in Minnesota
The value of a solar export depends on the credit your utility pays. As an illustration, take 7,000 kWh of solar power in a year, a made-up figure and not a forecast for any home. At the 2025 Minnesota average price of 15.83 cents per kWh, that power is worth $1,108 if the utility credits it at the full retail price. If the utility credits exports at half that rate, it is worth $554.
The gap shows why the export credit matters so much. Ask the utility which applies to you, and use the solar savings calculator to set the retail and export prices separately.
Utility efficiency rebates in Minnesota
In 2025, 24 Minnesota utilities reported efficiency programs to EIA. Together they paid about $32,341,700 in incentives to residential customers, or $12.41 per home, which ranks 25th of 50. The programs reported 244,918 megawatt hours of first year residential savings, about 7.6 kWh for each dollar of incentive.
| Utility | Paid to residential customers |
|---|---|
| Xcel Energy Minnesota | $22.6 million |
| Great River Energy | $4.0 million |
| ALLETE | $1.5 million |
| Otter Tail Power | $1.5 million |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), energy efficiency schedule. Paid incentives show what a utility spent, not what you can get. See efficiency rebates by state for the national ranking.
What the federal credits mean in Minnesota
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit, which covered solar panels, does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, and the home improvement credit does not apply to property placed in service after that date. That is true in every state. What remains are state and utility offers, and the federal home energy rebates that states run. See solar incentives and home energy rebates.
Source: IRS FS-2025-05, read October 10, 2026. This is not tax advice.
Where to look for current Minnesota offers
- Search the DSIRE database for Minnesota incentives and net metering rules.
- Enter your ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR rebate finder.
- Ask your electric company about its net metering, export credit and rebate programs. Find it in the Minnesota utility list.
- Read the rules at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, which oversees investor-owned utilities.
Minnesota solar and rebate questions
Does Minnesota have net metering?
Minnesota utilities reported 29,371 residential net metering customers and 358.1 megawatts in 2025. The credit for exports depends on the utility and the state rules, so ask yours.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in Minnesota?
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, so it does not apply in any state for new installs.
How much do Minnesota utilities pay in efficiency rebates?
In 2025, Minnesota utilities that reported to EIA paid about $32,341,700 in efficiency incentives to residential customers, about $12.41 per home.
Where do I find Minnesota solar and rebate offers?
Search the DSIRE database and the ENERGY STAR rebate finder, then ask your electric company and your state energy office before you sign anything.