The Minnesota green rush is coming! Are growers going to be caught using inefficient grow equipment, or will they find ways to cut their energy costs through smart equipment selection?
Growing cannabis indoors or in a greenhouse is an energy-intensive process, especially in Minnesota, where year-round cultivation requires supplemental lighting and consistent environmental conditions.
The good news is that many Minnesota growers can collect cash incentives to install energy-efficient equipment in their grow operations, including:
✅ LED grow lights (indoor and greenhouse, and maybe under-canopy)
✅ HVAC and Dehumidifiers
✅ Fans
✅ Pumps
✅ Controllers
Getting Started
Cultivators in Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail will want to check these out.
Xcel Energy
How you engage Xcel’s programs depends on the size and placement of your grow. There are three program types:
- One-Stop Efficiency Shop, managed by CEE
- Xcel’s Prescriptive Program
- Xcel’s Custom Program
Use Xcel/CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop if you:
a) Grow indoors,
b) Your total canopy is less than 8,000 square feet, AND
3) You are in an existing structure,
This program can cover up to 60% of project costs with rebate values between $0.80 and $1.00 / W installed, based on fixture PPE. The application process is simple, although the post-installation verification process is as rigorous as we’ve ever seen them. Pre-approval is required.
Use Xcel’s Prescriptive Program if you:
a) grow indoors and your total canopy is greater than 8,000 square feet, OR
b) are in a new structure.
Earn up to $0.70/Watt installed up to 60% of project costs. No preapproval is required.
Use Xcel’s Custom Program for just about everything else.
a) Grow in a greenhouse, OR
b) Want to install under-canopy lighting, HVAC-D, pumps, fans, & controls.
Rebate levels for any custom project pays out at up to $450/system peak kW demand saved + $200/non-peak kW demand saved. Pre-approval is required.
Minnesota Power
Minnesota Power pays $200 per kW saved.
Customer must contribute an amount greater than or equal to the estimated annual first year savings
Otter Tail Power Company
Otter Tail pays based on kilowatt-hours of energy saved, kilowatts of demand reduced, and project costs. The incentive is capped at 75% of total project costs or 90% of project incremental costs.
Getting your money
Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power Company all offer dollars to growers who choose to install energy-efficient equipment DIYers with some time on their hands can navigate their way through these programs.
If you are looking to save time and guarantee a flawless application that get you the most money, the Enlighten Your Grow team is pleased to support you.
Reach out anytime to set up a call to discuss how Enlighten Your Grow can support your project.
You can also download and share the cheat sheet below:
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