The Minnesota Department of Commerce (“Department”) seeks proposals from local units of government and Tribal Nations for qualified public buildings throughout Minnesota for the Statewide Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program. In accordance with Minn. Stat. § 216C.377, the Department will distribute up to $14,500,000 in grants to local governments in designated low-income areas, as defined in Minn. Stat. § 116M.14, to build solar energy generating systems on or adjacent to publicly owned and operated buildings. Selected proposals are required to file for the 48E Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit via Direct Pay for project costs not covered by the MN Commerce grant. Direct Pay (aka Elective Pay) is the process by which tax-exempt and government entities can receive a payment equal to the full value of the tax credit for qualifying energy projects without paying taxes. Support will be available from the Department and partners to assist with this process. See Section VIII: Technical Assistance and Questions for more information about support resources for Direct Pay.
