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New Construction & Renovation
Thank you for choosing Northfield as a location for your new construction or renovation project. We are excited to have projects happening to enhance our community. We're providing information on opportunities to save money, boost your bottom line, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more resilient community.
- Commercial and Multi-family
- Residential
Guide for making new construction and renovation projects energy efficient
Whether your project is still in its design phase or you’re planning a major renovation, Xcel Energy has programs designed to help businesses and home builders find energy efficiency opportunities and resources. Plus, there are also ways to include renewable energy to power your building with solar power you produce.
Call an Xcel Energy account manager, or an energy advisor at 855-839-8862 for more information.
Energy design assistance
Overview
Energy design assistance is a free service offered by Xcel Energy for commercial and multi-family construction or major renovation projects larger than 20,000 square feet to help incorporate energy and cost savings. Additionally, customers can receive rebates based on the estimated whole-building energy savings to lower their project costs.
Learn more about energy design assistance
Applicable stage

Schematic, pre or early design stage
Eligibility
- Minnesota Xcel Energy business electricity and/or natural gas customer.
- Constructing a new building, adding to an existing building, or renovating an existing space by gutting and replacing equipment.
- Minimum 20,000 square foot project.
Project considerations
Pre-approval is required, so customers should contact Xcel Energy early in their design process and submit an application.
Getting started
Call your account manager, an energy efficiency specialist at 855-839-8862 or visit Xcel Energy.
Visit Xcel Energy business new construction
Energy Efficient Buildings (EEB)
Overview
With the EEB program, commercial and multi-family can receive recommendations on how to integrate energy-efficient equipment into the project and earn rebates on the options they choose to install.
Learn more about the energy efficient buildings program
Applicable stage
Schematic, pre or early design stage
Eligibility
- Minnesota Xcel Energy business electricity and/or natural gas customer.
- Constructing a new building, adding to an existing building, or renovating an existing space by gutting and replacing equipment.
- Primarily buildings that are less than 20,000 square foot project.
Project considerations
Pre-approval is required, so customers should contact Xcel Energy early in their design process and submit an application.
Getting started
Call your account manager, an energy efficiency specialist at 855-839-8862 or visit Xcel Energy.
Visit Xcel Energy business new construction
Solar*Rewards for Business
Overview
Property owners can install a photovoltaic system and may be eligible for up-front and per kilowatt hour incentives (based on program availability).
Learn more about Solar*Rewards for business
Applicable stage
Schematic, pre or early design stage |
Eligibility
- Must be an Xcel Energy electric customer.
- Project Sunroof can help determine solar potential.
Project considerations
This is an incentivized program, so monthly payments are made to the owner of the solar system in exchange for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for the energy produced by the solar system.
If you produce more than you need, the extra energy is added.
Learn more about Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Getting started
- Once you've decided to go solar with your business, you'll want to install a system that's right for you.
- Submit an application via the Application Portal with the help of solar developer/installer or manage application independently.
Efficient new home construction
Overview
The Efficient New Home Construction program provides incentives for builders to build homes that exceed local energy code and baseline requirements for energy efficiency by at least 10%. Homes must be evaluated by a RESNET accredited Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater. The HERS Raters help builders achieve energy savings by providing plan review analysis and onsite verification throughout the construction process.
Learn more about efficient new home construction
Applicable stage
Schematic, pre or early design stage
Eligibility
- Minnesota Xcel Energy electricity and/or natural gas customer.
- Both builders and HERS raters must be enrolled in this program in order to participate.
Getting started
Contact ICF Resources at 612-253-9976 to learn more.
Solar*Rewards for Residences
Overview
Property owners can install a photovoltaic system and may be eligible for up-front and per kilowatt hour incentives (based on program availability).
Learn more about Solar*Rewards for residences
Applicable stage
Eligibility
- Must be an Xcel Energy electric customer.
- Project Sunroof can help determine solar potential.
Project considerations
As an incentivized program, monthly payments are made to the owner of the solar system in exchange for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) for the energy produced by the solar system.
If you produce more than you need, the extra energy is added.
Learn more about Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Getting started
- Once you've decided to add solar to your energy mix, you'll want to install a system that's right for you.
- Submit an application via the Application Portal with the help of a solar developer/installer or manage application independently.
Podcast & Videos
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Sustainable Northfield
This podcast covers a variety of topics around sustainability and stories of the actions being taken in Northfield, Minnesota. Listen on your favorite podcast app.
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Sustainability video playlist
Watch sustainability videos