
Solar Energy Permitting
Permitting Process:
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) permits solar generating facilities of 50 megawatts (MW) or greater. To permit a solar energy facility, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (EERA) creates a report called an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Commission. This report looks at how the proposed project might affect humans and the environment.
While making the EA, the EERA will hold a public meeting and open a period where people can submit their comments. This helps decide what should be included in the EA and what alternatives to consider.
Once the EA is finished, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will oversee a public hearing. At this hearing, people can give presentations, share evidence, and ask questions about the project. After the public comment period ends, the ALJ will write a report for the Commission.
The Commission will then review all the information, including the EA and the ALJ’s report and public comments, to decide whether or not to grant a permit for the project.
Permitting timeline: 6 months, but can be extended up to 3 months for good cause.
The PUC role: The Commission reviews, helps build the record, and the Commissioners will make the final decision about what appropriate action to take.
Who Is involved
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Department of Commerce - Department of Energy Resources
Department of Commerce - Energy Environmental Review & Analysis
Office of Administrative Hearings - Administrative Law Judge
To learn more about relevant statutes and rules, go to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Relevant Statutes: Minn. Stat. 216E.04/Minn. Rules 7850.2800 – 7850.3900
Need more help?
Email publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @651-296-0406
Information about Rooftop Solar Energy
If you are curious about rooftop solar, please go to our Net Metering page