As you upgrade your home’s equipment and appliances to electric options, your home will begin to use more electricity. In Minnesota, a portion of your electricity must be generated from renewable resources already. To continue to reduce your home’s climate impact, you can transition to alternative sources of electricity.
Climate-Friendly Electricity Options
Minnesota’s electric grid gets cleaner every year as the state moves toward its goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. Even with that progress, residential energy is still a large source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. By choosing a renewable energy source for your home’s electricity, you can lower your home’s carbon footprint.
Renewable Energy Subscriptions
Signing up for a renewable energy subscription is a good way to get your energy from clean sources without making changes to your home. These programs allow you to subscribe to, or opt in to, having your home powered by renewable sources. For example, you may choose to have your home powered by solar energy through a community solar garden. The exact details and cost of the subscription will depend on your utility and energy use.
Xcel Energy offers several renewable energy options, including the Renewable*Connect and Solar*Rewards Community programs. Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) also offers renewable energy programs, including the Carbon Offset Program. If you have a different electric provider, contact your utility to ask about renewable energy programs that may be available to you.
Solar Panel Installation
If you’d like to generate your own clean electricity at home, you can install solar panels on your property. As you plan for your solar transition, you can work with a third-party assessor to decide if your property gets enough sunlight for solar panels to work properly. We also recommend getting multiple bids from contractors to determine the best pricing for your budget. If you would like to finance your solar installation, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) offers solar loans for Minnesota homeowners. Your solar panels may be eligible for federal tax credits. You may also be able to work with your neighbors to get bulk pricing discounts on solar installations.
Make the Switch to Renewables Today
Renewable energy is a reliable, clean way to power your home. As you electrify, rest easier knowing that your energy is coming from a renewable source in your area. For more information on what electrification projects may contribute to your electricity use, visit our electrification guide.