Below are the eligibility requirements for the solar bonus cost share program: 

• Projects applying for the cost share program must be a privately-owned existing residential (one to four units), commercial business, organization or multifamily (five or more units) building located within the City of St. Louis Park.
• Solar installed on new buildings or on additions that completed construction within the past 12 months are not eligible for cost share funds.
• Applications limited to one project per master (tax) parcel. If you are applying for multiple projects on different master parcels, fill out a separate application for each project.
• Applicant must be the property owner purchasing the solar array. The solar developer may fill out the application with the property owner’s permission.
• DIY projects are not eligible unless the property owner is a licensed contractor in good standing with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Your solar bonus cost share will be calculated by staff after your reviewing your energy efficiency projects. Note: cost share reimbursements will be capped at a $4/watt maximum. 

For businesses and organizations:

• Energy efficiency project(s) resulting in a 5% – 15% greenhouse gas reduction for your property
  • 10% solar cost share
• Energy efficiency project(s) resulting in above a 15% reduction or property is located within census tracts 223.02, 227 or 230. Visit the United States Census Bureau's website to find your census tract.
  • 15% solar cost share.

For residents

• Energy efficiency project(s) increasing your home’s Home Energy Score* by 5 – 15 points
  • 10% solar cost share
• Energy efficiency project(s) increasing your home’s Home Energy Score by 15+ points OR projects increase your home's score by 5 – 15 points and you meet Climate Champions environmental justice criteria
  • 15% solar cost share
• Home receives Home Energy Score of 95+
  • 5% solar cost share
• You install a cold climate air source heat pump through the city’s Climate Champions for Homes program
  • 10% solar cost share
• You install a heat pump water heater through the city's Climate Champions for Homes program
  • 10% solar cost share

*Home Energy Scores will be included in your Home Energy Squad report, required for the Climate Champions program.

Note: While we try to fund all projects, funds are limited. Priority will be given to projects that qualify for the environmental justice rate if more than one project is competing for any final fund balance.

To apply: 

• Get a free or low cost energy assessment for your home, multifamily property, business or organization.
• Apply for the Climate Champions cost share and indicate your interest in the solar bonus.
• Staff will review your application and be in touch about next steps.
• After you complete your eligible Climate Champions energy efficiency project(s), you will be preapproved for a bonus solar reimbursement.

Additional documentation will be required when you begin working with a solar installer, including:

• PVWatts calculator report (view online PVWatts calculator)
• Signed contract between property owner and contractor
• A completed W-9 form

Cost share payment will be issued to the applicant within 60 business days of receipt of required documentation:

• Proof of final approved inspection by the City of St. Louis Park for any work requiring a city permit
• Final paid invoice from the contractor or vendor showing the total project cost

Note: The City of St. Louis Park is not liable for funds promised to property owners because of a contractor misrepresenting this cost share program.

We also recommend that you review the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's solar photovoltaic systems and the state building code fact sheet before applying.

Many buildings and garages will require structural improvements to support a solar array. Installation of a solar energy system on the roof of a structure adds weight to the structure, commonly referred to as “dead load.” This additional weight must be accounted for to ensure that the building can safely bear the weight of the solar installation. When a solar array is added to existing buildings, the cost and complexity of adding weight to the roof vary depending on the structure of the building and roof.

The following are the program rules and procedures:

• The City of St. Louis Park reserves the right to revoke the funding if the property owner or contractor violates program rules and procedures.
• Project costs include all costs required for design and construction of the solar array itself. Electric panel upgrades or any structural improvements required to support the load of a solar array and any optional project additions (such as skirts or snow guards) or will be excluded from the cost sharing calculation.
• Funds are allocated based on what’s approved in the application. In the event system size increases or decreases, the applicant is responsible for working with their developer to submit updated documents to the city. Any additional cost share funds must be approved by the city's program administrator.
• The applicant is responsible for arranging all the upfront project financing.
• Cost share funds can only be used to compensate for the installation cost of the system.
• Check with your tax preparer to find out if there are tax implications of receiving cost share funds.
• Check with your property insurer to find out if solar panels are covered under your insurance policy.
• All work must meet City of St. Louis Park, state, regional and national zoning, building and fire codes.
• The City of St. Louis Park can't recommend specific contractors.
• The applicant is strongly encouraged to verify the installer’s qualifications. The installation of racking, placing and securing modules, and the installation of all electrical wiring and electrical equipment, must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and its licensed or registered employees. Make sure the installer and the licensed electrical contractor are in good standing with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). To verify the status of licenses, visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's website or call DLI at 651.284.5069.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that product purchases, equipment purchase, installation or other work proposed have been completed satisfactorily before paying the contractor(s).
• Cost share reimbursements will be capped at a $4/watt maximum. 

• To ensure enough funding for all program participants, the city will not offer more than one solar bonus cost share reimbursement per household in the same 5 year period.

What if I completed a Climate Champions energy assessments and no additional energy efficiency improvements were recommended?

You must submit your energy assessment report to apottorff@stlouisparkmn.gov. A 5% solar cost share for already highly efficient properties will be approved on a case-by-case basis.

What if I completed a Climate Champions assessment in the past 36 months?

If you have completed a Climate Champions assessment and started an energy efficiency project before Jan. 1, 2023, reach out to apottorff@stlouisparkmn.gov to discuss how to qualify for the solar bonus cost share. Proof of your assessment and completed project will be required.

Is there a cap on the funding amount available per project?

There is no cap on the funding amount at this time.

Who receives the cost share funds?

The funds will go to the property owner.