Solar Customer FAQs

Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this electricity into alternating current (AC), which is compatible with your home’s electrical system and the utility grid. Solar energy is used first by your home, and any excess generation may be exported to the grid, depending on your billing arrangement.

Yes. Minnesota receives sufficient sunlight to support solar generation and performs comparably to many states (i.e., Texas and Florida) with higher solar adoption. Solar systems are designed to operate efficiently year-round, including during colder temperatures.

Solar panels are dark and tend to shed snow naturally as they warm during sunlight. Production may be temporarily reduced after heavy snowfall, but annual output impacts are generally modest.

Solar panels can be installed on rooftops or as ground-mounted systems. The best locations receive unobstructed sunlight, ideally between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. year-round. South-facing roofs typically perform best, though southeast and southwest orientations can also be effective. Your solar contractor should provide a shade analysis to estimate expected production accurately.

A good first step is an energy audit. RPU strongly recommends participating in RPU’s free Neighborhood Energy Challenge workshop, offered throughout the year. Participants can schedule a professional home energy audit at a reduced cost.

An audit helps identify areas where energy loss occurs and can highlight cost-effective efficiency improvements. Making efficiency upgrades first may allow you to install a smaller solar system and reduce overall project costs.

Typical Rochester residential, grid-connected solar PV systems range from approximately $15,000 to $70,000 for system sizes between 3 and 10 kW. Costs vary based on system size, roof configuration, electrical upgrades, and equipment selection. Reviewing your historical electric usage and obtaining multiple contractor proposals is recommended.

Customers with distributed generation systems, such as rooftop solar, continue to rely on the electric grid for backup power, energy imports, and system reliability. The Grid Access Fee is a monthly charge that helps recover a portion of the fixed costs required to maintain the electric grid, including poles, wires, substations, meters, and system operations.

The Grid Access Fee reflects the cost of maintaining grid readiness, even when a customer generates some or most of their own electricity. This fee helps ensure that grid costs are shared equitably among customers while continuing to support customer-owned solar and other distributed energy resources.

Payback depends on several factors, including system size, installation cost, household energy use, and future electric rates. For most residential customers, estimated payback periods typically range from 14 to 20 years.

Net metering is available for qualifying residential and commercial solar systems that are 40 kW AC or less. When your solar system produces more electricity than your home uses, excess energy may be exported to the grid. When your system is not producing enough energy, such as at night, electricity is supplied from the grid. Billing is based on the net difference between energy consumed and energy exported during the billing period. This data is compiled through the bi-directional main meter.

Visit the NOVA Power Portal to review RPU’s interconnection documents. Any interconnections with RPU must be submitted through the NOVA Power Portal for pre-approval. After you have selected a solar contractor, they can assist you in this process.

Please contact us at der@rpu.org or 507-292-1200.