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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. 

EFP - Alternative Process
 

Click on image for a downloadable and printable version of the process

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

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