Minnesota’s landmark Community Solar Garden program has narrowly avoided repeal after lawmakers removed controversial language from Senate Bill 2855 and its companion bill in the House. The decision, which follows weeks of advocacy and public pressure, marks a significant win for clean energy supporters and communities that rely on equitable access to solar power.
The proposed repeal of the Community Solar Garden program faced sharp opposition from local organizations, clean energy advocates, and residents who stressed the program’s role in lowering utility bills and expanding solar access, particularly for low-to-moderate-income (LMI) households. Vote Solar, a national nonprofit focused on affordable solar access, played a prominent role in organizing support to protect the program.
“During a time when state-level action is crucial, it is a major win to see that Minnesota lawmakers side with communities and the clean energy advocates to keep the Community Solar Garden program intact,” said Patty O’Keefe, Vote Solar’s Midwest Regional Director. “We thank our champions in the legislature who stood strong in defense of this program and recognize that community needs and the state’s climate goals are far more important than utility profits.”
The Community Solar Garden program has been a cornerstone of Minnesota’s clean energy leadership since its inception. Designed to allow individuals, businesses, and municipalities to subscribe to a shared solar array, the program has become one of the most successful models in the nation for promoting clean energy without requiring rooftop installation. It has also proven critical in supporting households that might otherwise be excluded from traditional solar ownership.
Thanks to the removal of the repeal language, the program will now continue to deliver economic and environmental benefits to Minnesotans. According to data reported by Solar Power World, a recent Minnesota Department of Commerce study projected that the Community Solar Garden program will generate $2.92 billion in net benefits for the state. This includes energy bill reductions ranging from 3 to 8% for both LMI and non-LMI subscribers.
Last year, the program underwent key modernization efforts, including revised eligibility requirements and improved subscriber protections. These reforms were designed to ensure broader participation and to increase benefits for underserved communities. The preservation of the program now allows these changes to take full effect, strengthening Minnesota’s commitment to equitable clean energy.
The legislation to preserve the program passed with bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate, reflecting growing recognition of the importance of community-driven renewable energy solutions. With the repeal language removed, the bill now heads to Governor Tim Walz’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.
“This isn’t just a policy win, this is a community win,” added O’Keefe. “Protecting community solar means protecting access to affordable, reliable, clean energy for all Minnesotans across the state.”
As national conversations continue around the future of clean energy policy, Minnesota’s move to preserve and strengthen its community solar program offers a compelling example of how local leadership can protect both environmental goals and economic equity.