All New Buildings are Required to Install Solar Panels into their Design and Construction

 

This bill requires that every new building constructed in Minnesota include solar panels as part of its design and

construction.

 

This bill is necessary because traditional energy sources, such as oil, are becoming increasingly expensive and limited

each year, while also harming the environment. Solar panels are more cost-effective in the long run, produce a large

amount of energy, and are environmentally safe. A 10-kilowatt solar system can power an entire home for a family of

four. Larger buildings will have more or larger systems installed to meet their energy needs. There are exceptions to

buildings needing solar panels built if it would be impossible or dangerous to install. Solar energy also has low

maintenance costs, averaging between $150 and $500 per year.

 

New building: Any new structure, including, but not limited to, skyscrapers, towers, houses, and apartment buildings.

Solar panel: A device that converts sunlight into electrical energy. It is environmentally safe and cost-effective over

time.

Solar panel system: A combination of solar panels and other components that convert sunlight into energy to power homes,

businesses, etc

 

The average cost to install a 10-kilowatt solar panel system in Minnesota is approximately $31,270 before incentives.

Building owners and developers will be responsible for installation costs, though they may utilize state and federal

clean energy tax credits or rebates to offset expenses.

 

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), through its Construction Codes and Licensing Division, will

oversee enforcement of this law. Municipalities that have adopted the Minnesota State Building Code will enforce

compliance through their building permit and inspection processes. If a municipality fails to enforce this requirement,

the state building official (under the commissioner) may assume enforcement authority.

If a company does not abide by this, then a building permit will not be issued.

 

January 1, 2027