1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; allowing utilities to make conservation improvement 
1.3 	expenditures for certain solar energy projects;amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.4 	2007 Supplement, section 216B.241, by adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2007 Supplement, section 216B.241, is amended by 
1.7 	adding a subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 9.Solar energy projects. (a) A utility may spend up to ten percent of its 
1.9 	total energy conservation improvement expenditures under this section on qualified solar 
1.10 	thermal projects.
1.11 	(b) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the meanings given:
1.12 	(1) "Qualified solar thermal project" means expenditures for purchasing and 
1.13 	installing solar thermal equipment in residential, commercial, or industrial property located 
1.14 	in this state that is installed after July 1, 2008, and that meets the requirements of section 
1.15 	216C.25. Qualified solar thermal project does not include expenditures for equipment 
1.16 	used to heat water (i) for domestic use if less than half of the energy used by the residence 
1.17 	for that purpose is derived from the sun or (ii) for use in a hot tub or swimming pool.
1.18 	(2) "Residential property" means the principal residence used by the homeowner at 
1.19 	the time the solar thermal equipment is placed in service.
1.20 	(3) "Solar thermal" means a flat plate or evacuated tube with a fixed orientation that 
1.21 	collects the sun's radiant energy and transfers it to a storage medium for distribution as 
1.22 	energy to heat or cool air or water.

1.23 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.