HF 3857

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; allowing utilities to make conservation improvement
expenditures for certain solar energy projects; amending Minnesota Statutes
2007 Supplement, section 216B.241, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 216B.241, is amended by
adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 9. new text end

new text begin Solar energy projects. new text end

new text begin (a) A utility may spend up to ten percent of its
total energy conservation improvement expenditures under this section on qualified solar
thermal projects.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the meanings given:
new text end

new text begin (1) "Qualified solar thermal project" means expenditures for purchasing and
installing solar thermal equipment in residential, commercial, or industrial property located
in this state that is installed after July 1, 2008, and that meets the requirements of section
216C.25. Qualified solar thermal project does not include expenditures for equipment
used to heat water (i) for domestic use if less than half of the energy used by the residence
for that purpose is derived from the sun or (ii) for use in a hot tub or swimming pool.
new text end

new text begin (2) "Residential property" means the principal residence used by the homeowner at
the time the solar thermal equipment is placed in service.
new text end

new text begin (3) "Solar thermal" means a flat plate or evacuated tube with a fixed orientation that
collects the sun's radiant energy and transfers it to a storage medium for distribution as
energy to heat or cool air or water.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end