MN SF3286

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 216B.1641 to add new requirements for community solar garden programs operated by public utilities

Requires solar garden owners and utilities to provide prospective subscribers with written disclosure at least 15 days before contract signing, including annual generation estimates and payback period calculations developed by the Public Utilities Commission

Mandates that solar garden owners place sufficient financial resources in an escrow account to reimburse subscribers for losses if the project fails to meet contract provisions

Requires utilities and garden owners to submit all marketing materials and sample contracts to the commission for review and periodic updates

Requires solar garden contracts to include a warranty for minimum electricity delivery levels and establish a mechanism for subscribers to transfer or cancel subscriptions for full refund

Directs the commission to develop standardized formulas by July 30, 2016 for estimating annual electricity generation and subscriber payback timelines