Solar Energy
Overview
A Solar Powerhouse in the Making
When assessing the potential to become a solar energy powerhouse, you simply cannot ignore Minnesota's ample expertise, its deep commitment to growing the sector, and its abundant supply of raw material -- more hours of sunlight than Germany, the world's current top photovoltaic market.
The foundation of a world-class industry is in place in Minnesota. Among the basic building blocks:
- Aggressive renewable energy commitment
- New solar energy initiatives
- Financial incentives
- Technical assistance
- Experienced renewable energy contractors
- Well established solar supply chain manufacturers
- Skilled labor force and an exceptional education system
As a result, Minnesota has experienced tremendous growth in solar energy projects, large and small from multinational giants like 3M to a growing number of small companies.
Aggressive Renewable Energy Commitment
Part of that growth is fueled by Minnesota's strong commitments to renewable energy, to supporting a greener economy, and to promoting business development and job creation in solar energy industries. That committed is reflected in our nation-leading public policies that focus on renewable energy initiatives.
- 25 percent of our electricity must come from renewable energy sources by 2025.
- Xcel Energy, Minnesota's largest electricity producer, must meet a 30 percent renewable energy goal by 2020.
- State-owned buildings and state agencies must adopt renewable energy strategies to achieve at least 20 percent reduction in energy use. More than 6,400 building covering 281 million square feet have been identified (2011).
More Sun Than The World’s Top Photovoltaic Market
Let's start by putting a common misconception to rest: Minnesota's winter climate isn't a factor in solar energy production.
Solar potential simply is not related to average temperature. Hot or cold doesn't matter. It's the sun that's important. And Minnesota's got a lot of it.
Minneapolis has an annual average of 6.9 hours of sunlight per day. By comparison, Germany − the top photovoltaic market − has an average of 4.8 hours of sunlight per day.
Top World Photovoltaic Markets and Annual Average Hours of Sunlight
|
Location
|
Annual Average Hours of Sunlight
|
Photovoltaic Market Rank 2010
|
|
Germany
|
4.8
|
1st
|
|
Czech Republic
|
5.2
|
5th
|
|
Japan
|
5.4
|
4th
|
|
Minneapolis
|
6.9
|
Not applicable
|
|
Italy
|
7
|
2nd
|
|
USA
|
7.1
|
3rd
|
Sources: ClimateTemp.Info; Solarbuzz.
Minnesota also shines when compared to other U.S. states. The state’s long hours of sunlight during the summer months gives Minnesota the same solar potential as Tallahassee, Florida and Houston, Texas.
It is not surprise that the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) ranks Minneapolis the fourth highest in potential of annual rooftop solar power generation in the United States.
Data from a federal source also shows that the average annual percent of possible sunshine in Minneapolis-St. Paul is not significantly different from cities perceived as sunnier.
Average Possible Annual Sunshine (Through 2010)
|
City
|
Average Possible Annual Sunshine
|
Years Through 2010
|
|
Sacramento, CA
|
78%
|
46
|
|
Pensacola, FL
|
60%
|
5
|
|
Houston
|
59%
|
27
|
|
Minneapolis-St.Paul
|
58%
|
58
|
|
St. Louis
|
57%
|
37
|
|
Chicago
|
54%
|
16
|
|
Seattle
|
47%
|
30
|
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.