MN HF1998

State agencies preparing predesigns for new buildings must consider meeting at least two percent of the building's energy needs from renewable sources (wind and solar).

Predesign must include explicit cost and price analysis comparing compliance costs with present and future costs of utility-supplied energy and carbon emission control costs.

Buildings cannot receive further state appropriations for design or construction unless at least two percent of energy needs are designed to be met from renewable sources, unless the commissioner finds the agency's reasons for non-compliance are supported by evidence.

State building construction or major renovation projects may install solar energy systems up to 300 kilowatts capacity on state-owned buildings and land after completing a cost-benefit analysis.

Solar energy system installation costs cannot exceed five percent of bond fund appropriations for the project, with solar thermal systems limited to no more than 25 percent of total solar system costs; projects are ineligible for rebates under section 116C.7791 or from utilities.