The utility subject to section 116C.779 shall operate a program to provide solar energy production incentives for solar energy systems of no more than a total nameplate capacity of 20 kilowatts direct current. The program shall be operated for eight consecutive calendar years commencing in 2014. $5,000,000 shall be allocated in each of the first four years, $15,000,000 in the fifth year, $10,000,000 in each of the sixth and seventh years, and $5,000,000 in the eighth year from funds withheld from transfer to the renewable development account under section 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraphs (b) and (e), and placed in a separate account for the purpose of the solar production incentive program. The solar system must be sized to less than 120 percent of the customer's on-site annual energy consumption. The production incentive must be paid for ten years commencing with the commissioning of the system. The utility must file a plan to operate the program with the commissioner of commerce. The utility may not operate the program until it is approved by the commissioner.