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

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

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 Owatonna 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 Owatonna?

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

Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

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

Wind Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% of sales tax

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

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

Xcel Energy - Renewable Development Fund Grants

Incentive Type:
Grant Program

Connexus Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program

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

Great River Energy (28 Member Cooperatives) - Energy Wise Residential Efficiency Rebates

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Varies by measure and member cooperative offering.

Home Energy Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$20,000

Fix-Up Loan

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

Renewable Energy Production Incentive

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

Owatanna Public Utilities - Solar Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
PV: $500
Solar Water Heating: $15 per square foot of collector area

Owatonna Public Utilities - Residential Conserve and Save Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Water Rebates
Clothes Washer (ENERGY STAR): $25 - $100 per unit
Toilets: $25 per toilet
Rain Barrels: $10 per barrel
Flushometer Valve: $50
WaterSense Showerhead: $25
Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers : $75 per controller

Electric Rebates
Clothes Washer: $25-$100
Dehumidifier: $15-$25
Refrigerator/Freezer: $25
Room AC: $25
Appliance Recycling: Up to $15
Lighting: 50% of bulb or fixture cost
Central AC: $100
Air Source Heat Pump: $100
Furnace Fan Motor: $125
Geothermal Heat Pump: $200/ton + $150/EER above minimum efficiency requirement + $250/desuperheater
Central AC Clean and Tune: $25

Natural Gas Rebates
Clothes Dryer: $50
Clothes Washer: $25-$100
Replacement Door: $25
Furnace: $100-$400
Boiler: $100-$350
Indirect-Fired Water Heater on HE Boiler: $100
Programmable Thermostat: $25-$75
Furnace/Boiler Clean and Tune: $25
Electronic Ignition Hearth: $75
Water Heater - Tank: $50-$150
Water Heater - Instantaneous: $200-$250
WaterSense Showerhead: $25
Attic Insulation: $125-$300
Attic Air Sealing: $200
Rim Joist Sealing: $150
Wall Insulation: $200-$300

Renewable Rebates
Solar Photovoltaic: $0.50 per Watt
Solar Water Heater: $15 per sq ft NET aperture

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/


Solar incentives are intended to encourage people to switch to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You might be eligible for various types of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, 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. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Owatonna utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually be deducted from the total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the government. These differ from tax deductions.
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Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that you think of when you think about solar incentives. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This incentive is a tax credit equal to a specified percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as labor, equipment and accessories. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

To find out exactly how much the ITC could save you, get in touch with your local Owatonna solar panel installer.

In August 2022, the ITC (now titled the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit runs until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will decrease slightly each year until the end of the current program. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Owatonna solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Rebates, tax credits and more can be claimed at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. Incentives might be offered by the state of Minnesota, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Owatonna

The expanding number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the use of solar power nationwide over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the federal government, the Minnesota government or from your local utility company. It is a good idea to talk to your local Owatonna solar installation company to learn more about these incentives and to ensure that you're getting all the money you can for your solar system.

EcoWatch's Owatonna, MN Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?

It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Owatonna solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of Minnesota, might have other requirements.

If I installed solar panels on my house a few years ago, can I still claim incentives?

Your best bet is to talk to the company that installed your solar system – or reach out to a local Owatonna solar installer — to clarify which incentives you might qualify for. If your system was installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Owatonna?

On average, homeowners in Owatonna who install solar panels save approximately $979.61 per year, or about $18,612.51 over 20 years after making the switch.

What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the top solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the best solar companies in Owatonna.

Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Owatonna solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what types of incentives you may or may not qualify for.

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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