Helpful Resources
Glossary of Terms
Behind the Meter: energy production and storage that directly supplies homes and buildings
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): a battery that stores energy for later use
Demand Response Program: a program that incentivizes reducing electricity demand during peak hours typically offered by a utility
Electric Grid: This is the network that delivers energy from where it is produced to where it is used
Interconnection: This is the process in which solar and/or storage is connected to the electric grid
Kilowatt-hour (kWh): a measurement of energy that is equal to one kilowatt of power for one hour
Net Metering: A rule that requires utilities to credit the customer for excess energy generated by solar that feeds into the electric grid
Time of Use (TOU) rate: Billing electricity at different rates depending on the time of day (higher costs at times of peak energy use). Note, not all utilities bill in this way.
Financial Resources
- State of Minnesota energy storage incentives for installation
- Federal Tax Credit: You may qualify for an up to 30% Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit. See this guide for how to claim a tax credit
- Solar*Rewards: (Xcel Energy customers only) program for annual solar production-based payments
- Utility Program Listing (outside Xcel Energy Territory customers) listing of utility specific solar and storage programs
- Center for Energy and Environment (CEE): Home improvement, energy, and solar loans/financing options
- Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) Program: Federal funds for clean energy projects with a focus on rural businesses
Installer directories
- Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association (MnSEIA): solar and storage installer directory
- Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA): solar installer member listing (many solar installers also install storage)
- Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs): solar installer directory
General Resources
- Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs): Topics covered include: How to get started with solar, solar suitability assessment tool, questions to ask installers, solar installer listing, resources for paying, and more
- Solar United Neighbors Battery Storage Guide
- Energy Sage: Complete buyers guide to home back up batteries
- Department of Energy (DOE): “Should I get battery storage for my solar energy system?”
- Canary Media’s article: “Is adding a battery to your rooftop solar worth it? Here’s how to decide”
- Rewiring America planning tools and information on other incentives and tax credits
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certification: Information about a certification installers can obtain which holds installers to a code of ethics and standards of conduct
- REopt Tool: Evaluate the economic viability of solar and battery storage and estimate how long a system can sustain critical load during a grid outage