Residential Solar Energy Systems
Solar panels or systems often use a technology called photovoltaic power, which is effective in large areas with direct sunlight (no tree cover). “Photovoltaic” means that the energy from sunlight is converted into energy. The panels are typically mounted on a roof or on the ground.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels/modules are organized structures of cells. As the sun shines through each cell, loose electrons become excited (energized). The presence of different layers of charge trap these electrons into a thin pathway out of the cell, through the panel, and into an inverter. At this point, the electrons are transformed from Direct Current (DC) into Alternating Current (AC), which is the form of electricity used by the energy grid.
Interested in installing a solar system at your home?
Find Your Home's Solar potential
Check your address at these resources to see what potential your roof has for solar energy generation:
Start with efficiency first!
Before putting solar panels on your roof, be sure to consider how energy efficient your home is first so you can maximize the energy you will generate. A Home Energy Squad visit is a great first step to identify what you can do to make your home more efficient.
Check your roof condition
It's recommended that if your roof has at least 15-20 years of life when installing rooftop solar. It's much costlier to remove solar panels and reinstall them if you need roof repairs or replacement.
Find an installer
This solar directory from Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) can help you get started finding an installer if you haven’t identified one yet.
- Questions to ask solar companies from CERTS
- Minnesota contractor license verification
Review the permit and inspection checklists
- Apply for permits and inspection appointments here
- City of Roseville Permit Checklist
- City of Roseville Inspection Checklist
- Look at the City Code to find out requirements of Solar Installation in Chapter 1011: Property Performance Standards
- MN State Building code
Financing and Rebates
General resources
SolSmart Recognition Program
SolSmart is a nationally recognized program which encourages cities to make it faster, easier, and more affordable to grow solar energy not only for the cities, but for residents.
SolSmart has three levels of designation. SolSmart Bronze, Silver, and Gold designate increasing levels of encouragement and application of solar energy. Whichever level a city has achieved, the program recognizes cities which have demonstrated a commitment to solar energy by taking tangible steps toward integrating solar energy into their city.
To help communities achieve designation, SolSmart provides no-cost technical assistance from a team of national experts who work to evaluate programs and practices that impact solar markets, and identify high-prospect opportunities for improvement.
As of August 6th, 2019, the City of Roseville has been recognized as a Gold level city, the highest designation possible from the program. The City has also received a Special Recognition Award in the Inspections category of the program, earning over 60% of the points possible.