City of Grand Marais - Minnesota

This page contains information about solar energy in Grand Marais. Installing solar energy on your home is a sustainable way to invest in the future. Solar energy can be used to generate electricity, to provide hot water, and to heat, cool and light buildings. Follow the links below to learn more about installing solar on your home.

Finding the Solar Potential of your Property

Minnesota is a great place for solar energy. In fact, much of the Midwest has the same solar potential as Tallahassee Florida or Houston Texas. Through a combination of utility rebates and new technology, solar electricity continues to become more affordable and a more common part of our energy system. 

Grand Marais Solar Resource

Wondering if solar energy would be a good fit for your rooftop or property? The U of M's Minnesota Solar Suitability Analysis displays the solar potential of every spot in the state of Minnesota. With this data, and the services provided through the application, home and business owners can easily identify the solar potential of their property.

Financing and Incentives

Financing options and tax credits are available for residents interested in installing photovoltaic solar panels on their property.  

Businesses can finance solar energy through a tool called “Property Asses Clean Energy”, or PACE, in which energy saving measures are paid for through property taxes. More information on PACE can be found at the link below. 

Find an Installer

Minnesota is home to many solar businesses. The Clean Energy Project Builder (link below) is a great place to find an assortment of clean energy businesses, including solar installers. Check out the State of Minnesota’s list of questions for potential renewable energy installers. 

Requirements

General information about solar photovoltaic systems licensing, permits, inspections, etc. can be found on the state’s Department of Labor and Industry Solar PV page. 

Permitting

Information about Grand Marais’ permitting process for solar PV installations can be in the follow form:

Interconnection 

Interconnection is the process of coupling a distributed energy resource (DER), such as a rooftop solar array, to a utility’s distribution system. A Grand Marais Public Utilities customer who intends to install solar on their home must apply for interconnection to ensure that their DER meets the technical requirements specified by the state utility commissions.