MN HF1146

Public Utilities Commission must initiate a proceeding within 30 days of July 1, 2013, to establish generic standards for utility tariffs for interconnection of distributed generation facilities up to 10 megawatts, with at least four separate categories varying by nameplate capacity and addressing technical standards, timelines, fees, insurance, and metering.

Establishes community solar generating facilities (less than 2 megawatts) as non-utility entities that allow multiple subscribers to purchase long-term contracts for portions of electricity generated, with subscriptions capped at 120 percent of subscriber's annual consumption and individual subscriptions limited to 40 kilowatts.

Renewable energy credits produced in Minnesota are owned by the facility owner unless expressly assigned by law, previously transferred by contract before July 1, 2013, or assigned by prior commission order; utilities cannot require credit transfer as a condition of interconnection agreements.

Voids and prohibits homeowners associations and private entities from restricting solar energy system installation on single-family homes and townhouses, though reasonable restrictions are permitted if they do not significantly increase costs or decrease efficiency; applications for approval must be processed within 60 days or deemed approved.

Community solar facility electricity not consumed by subscribers must be sold to the utility at rates governed by section 216B.164; subscribers receive separate metering and billing showing consumption charges and credits from their allocated portion of facility output.