MN HF1420

Defines a public utility solar project as an investor-owned utility partnership with the Minnesota Army National Guard consisting of solar photovoltaic arrays up to ten megawatts capacity located at a military and civilian training facility in Morrison County.

Requires utilities to obtain Public Utilities Commission approval for solar photovoltaic modules and allows the commission to consider factors beyond lowest cost, including local economic benefits from in-state manufacturing and manufacturer experience.

Mandates consideration of projected 30-year module performance supported by product design, third-party lab testing, and field experience; durability, safety, and reliability over 30 years; and minimum ten-year workmanship warranty with 30-year power warranty guaranteeing 80 percent performance in year 30.

Requires modules to comply with "Made in USA" standards where all or virtually all significant parts and processing are of United States origin, and to have third-party certification supporting environmental sustainability of component sources and manufacturing processes.

Appropriates $50,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2016 to the Public Utilities Commission for evaluation costs associated with the project.