Minnesota Property Owners Power Up with Solar

Minnesota Property Owners Power Up with Solar: Financing Tools Fuel Rural Energy Revolution

Across Minnesota, property owners are seizing a rare opportunity to transform their energy future—before time runs out. Thanks to a powerful combination of MinnPACE financing, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits, and the USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) grant, farms and rural businesses are going solar, cutting costs, and boosting sustainability.

One standout success is Squash Blossom Farm, a historic 1910 farmstead in northwest Minnesota. Lovingly restored using permaculture techniques, Squash Blossom is more than a farm—it’s a vibrant hub for local food, art, and music. With gardens, chickens, goats, and donkeys, the farm produces fresh ingredients for its sourdough pizzas and homemade marinara, crafted from tomatoes, squashes, peppers, garlic, and herbs grown right on-site.

Now, Squash Blossom Farm is going solar.

By combining MinnPACE’s 100% upfront financing with IRA tax credits and a REAP grant, the farm is installing solar panels that will power its operations for decades to come. The move not only reduces utility costs but aligns with the farm’s deep commitment to sustainability and community resilience.

Another success story comes from an Amish furniture store in northern Minnesota, which used the same trio of financial tools to install solar and modernize its energy systems. With no upfront costs and long-term savings, the store is now more energy-efficient and better positioned to serve its customers year-round.

These projects are part of a growing wave of rural innovation. MinnPACE allows property owners to repay energy improvements through their property tax bill, making upgrades affordable and accessible. The IRA offers generous tax credits for clean energy investments, while REAP grants provide direct support to agricultural producers and rural small businesses.

But time is of the essence. IRA tax credits will expire, start your project before July 1, 2026.
Minnesota property owners interested in solar, HVAC upgrades, lighting, insulation, or other energy-saving improvements are encouraged to act now. With the right mix of financing and incentives, clean energy is not just possible—it’s practical.