Access to high-speed internet is essential to the development of the regional economy and quality of life in South Central Minnesota. While there are many challenges, some have broken through the barriers to achieve success. RNDC supports funding for the Office of Broadband Development, additional investments in the Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program, and incentives for private sector service providers to respond to local or regional needs.
Welcome to RNDC’s solar resource section. This section contains information about solar energy in South Central Minnesota. Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It can be used to generate electricity, to provide hot water, and to heat, cool, and light buildings.
Minnesota is a great place for solar energy. Believe it or not, much of the Midwest has the same solar potential as Tallahassee, FL and Houston, TX! Through a combination of utility rebates and new technology, solar electricity continues to become more affordable and a more common part of the energy system.
RNDC is participating in SolSmart, a national program that provides free technical assistance with addressing local barriers to solar energy. Through this program, RNDC is working to make it easier for residents and businesses to choose solar energy.
Planning for Solar Energy
Inspection
Solar Rights (Consumer Protection, Policies, & Regulations)
Finance & Incentives
Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available.
Wondering if a particular site in Minnesota is good for solar energy? The Minnesota Solar Suitability App can help. This tool displays the solar potential of every spot in the state of Minnesota. With this data, and the services provided through this application, home and business owners can easily identify the solar potential of their property.
Minnesota is home to many solar companies. The Clean Energy Project Builder is a great place to find an assortment of clean energy businesses including solar installers, community solar garden developers, energy auditors and more.
Wondering what questions to ask? Check out The State of Minnesota’s list of questions to ask potential renewable energy installers
Congress passed the legislative package known as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to reduce energy costs for families and create thousands of good-paying jobs for people across rural America. IRA represents the largest single investment in rural electrification since the passage of the Rural Electrification Act in 1936. Sections 22001 through 22005 of IRA provide new loan and grant products and unprecedented incentives to expand clean energy, transform rural power production, create jobs, and spur economic growth to be offered by USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business and Cooperative Service (RBCS).
Over $2 billion for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement grants.
Competitive grants to eligible entities for activities designed to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels.
RNDC’s 2024 Grant Opportunity Forum was a great success. Here you find the presentations.
Explore the variety of funding opportunities available to energy communities, allowing energy communities to redevelop and revitalize.
The Grant Navigator Program provides funding in the form of small grants to help city leaders understand, identify, and apply for grant funding for city projects.
The Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) program is a community-centered collaboration with the University of Minnesota to support small communities in becoming well-positioned to benefit from federal, state, and local investments.
Grant seekers can search for grant opportunities by state agency or by subject area by following the appropriate link. Please read grant announcements carefully as some state grant opportunities are only open to certain types of organizations, such as units of government.
