2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Maplewood, MN - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Maplewood.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Maplewood solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Updated January 24, 2025

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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Maplewood?

Xcel Energy (Electric and Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $50
Natural Gas Furnace Existing Home: $200-$400
Natural Gas Furnace New Construction: $100-$200
Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler: $100-$400
ECM Furnace: $100
Central AC: $150-$450
Tank Water Heater: $75-$500
Tankless Water Heater: $250
Attic/Wall Insulation: 30% of project cost
Air Sealing: $150-$200
Furnaces: $200-$425
Boilers: $125-$400
ECM Motor Furnace Fan: $125
Programmable Thermostat: $10
Heat Pumps: $175-$475
Water Heating: $100-$250
Clothes Washer: $10
Refrigerator: $15
Ground Source Heat Pump: $150/ton

Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants

Incentive Type:
Grant Program

Brainerd Public Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Dishwasher: $35
Clothes Washer: $35
Electric Clothes Dryer: $35
Refrigerator: $35
Freezer: $35
Dehumidifier: $20
Room/Window A/C: $35
High Efficiency Electric Water Heater: $35
Central A/C Tune-Up: $35
Central A/C: $200-$350
Mini Split/Ductless A/C: $250
ECM Replacement Motor: $100
Furnaces: $200-$375
Heat Pump Water Heater: $250
Air Source Heat Pump: $250
Geothermal Heat Pump: $100/ton

Connexus Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$7,500
OR
$20,000

Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards Program

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
Systems 0.5 kW - 25 kW: $0.005/kWh
Medium-sized Systems 25.1-500 kW: $0.0375/kWh
Large Systems (>500kW): Determined through competitive bid

Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Solar: 100% exemption from real property taxes
Wind: 100% exemption from real and personal property taxes

Fix-Up Loan

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$15,000. Applicants may be eligible for higher loan and term amounts depending on income

Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Wind Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% of sales tax

Renewable Energy Production Incentive

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
1.5¢/kWh
1.0¢/kWh for certain hydro facilities in need of repair

Home Energy Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$20,000

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The term "solar incentives" broadly refers to financial incentives that are in place to encourage the adoption and use renewable energy by making installing and using solar panels more affordable. You might be eligible for various types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Minnesota government and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Maplewood utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might get refunded a percentage of the value.
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Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some knowledge of. One of the incentives many people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC applies to the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006, for you to be eligible for the credit. Initially, the ITC applied to 30% of all system installation costs (panels, accessories, equipment and labor), although the total amount has fluctuated over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

To understand exactly how much money the ITC could save you, speak with your local Maplewood solar panel installer.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). Under the new program, solar installation projects that are completed between 2022 and 2032, might qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems with the new act.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to get in touch with your local Maplewood solar panel installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Not all solar incentives are federal; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the state of Minnesota. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Maplewood

Solar incentives may be offered by your local utility company, the federal government or the Minnesota government. The growing number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Speaking with your local Maplewood solar panel installation expert is the best first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

EcoWatch's Maplewood, MN Solar Incentives FAQs

What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?

To learn about the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Maplewood.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?

You can lower your carbon footprint by 450 pounds of CO2 annually when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to around 9,000 pounds in 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can claim?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act provides several incentives that reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

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