This solar co-op is not a legally incorporated entity. It is an informally organized group of engaged and educated consumers that SUN brings together for a limited time to leverage their buying power to get the best price and service from a local solar installer. Members of the group are encouraged to stay engaged with SUN after the solar co-op is disbanded but this is not required.
Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”
That’s a solar co-op!
In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:
Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs.
A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar.
A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs, and puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.
Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits, or view our FAQs.
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: ALP Utilities customer consuming 9,449 kWh/yr; Residential Electric Service rate plan; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,372 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 25 degrees of tilt.
ALP Utilities Sample Loan Purchase
8kW
8kW
15kW
15kW
Interest rate of 7%, 30% down (then take the tax credit)
10 year
15 year
10 year
15 year
Monthly loan payment
$208
$161
$390
$302
Monthly electric savings
-$81
-$81
-$154
-$154
Net monthly payment
$127
$80
$236
$148
Net profit (25 years)**
$4,692
$667
$8,798
$1,251
**Example Pricing only. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, & other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides 30% federal tax credit. Chart reflects year one average savings. Savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase.
Detroit Lakes Public Utility
Detroit Lakes Sample Cash Purchase
8kW
15kW
Average MN solar pricing ($3.20/Watt)
$25,600
$48,000
30% Federal tax credit
-$7,680
-$14,400
Net cost
$17,920
$33,600
Estimated year 1 electric savings
$1,118
$2,096
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)
$11,961
$22,426
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years)
$33,569
$62,943
Net Profit*
$15,649
$29,343
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Detroit Lakes Public Utility customer consuming 8,820 kWh/yr; Residential electric rate plan; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,331 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 25 degrees of tilt.
Detroit Lakes Sample Loan Purchase
8kW
8kW
15kW
15kW
Interest rate of 7%, 30% down (then take the tax credit)
10 year
15 year
10 year
15 year
Monthly loan payment
$208
$161
$390
$302
Monthly electric savings
-$93
-$93
-$175
-$175
Net monthly payment
$115
$68
$215
$127
Net profit (25 years)**
$8,601
$4,576
$16,128
$8,582
**Example Pricing only. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, & other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides 30% federal tax credit. Chart reflects year one average savings. Savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase.
Moorhead Public Service
MPS Sample Cash Purchase
8kW
15kW
Average MN solar pricing ($3.20/Watt)
$25,600
$48,000
30% Federal tax credit
-$7,680
-$14,400
Net cost
$17,920
$33,600
Estimated year 1 electric savings
$1,153
$2,161
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)
$12,330
$23,119
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years)
$34,607
$64,888
Net Profit*
$16,687
$31,288
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Otter Tail Power Company customer consuming 8,820 kWh/yr; Residential, Small General Service rate plan; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,275 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 25 degrees of tilt.
MPS Sample Loan Purchase
8kW
8kW
15kW
15kW
Interest rate of 7%, 30% down (then take the tax credit)
10 year
15 year
10 year
15 year
Monthly loan payment
$208
$161
$390
$302
Monthly electric savings
-$96
-$96
-$180
-$180
Net monthly payment
$112
$65
$210
$122
Net profit (25 years)**
$9,639
$5,614
$18,073
$10,526
**Example Pricing only. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, & other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides 30% federal tax credit. Chart reflects year one average savings. Savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase.
Otter Tail Power Company
Otter Tail Power Sample Cash Purchase
8kW
15kW
Average MN solar pricing ($3.20/Watt)
$25,600
$48,000
30% Federal tax credit
-$7,680
-$14,400
Net cost
$17,920
$33,600
Estimated year 1 electric savings
$1,153
$2,161
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)
$12,330
$23,119
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years)
$34,607
$64,888
Net Profit*
$16,687
$31,288
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Otter Tail Power Company customer consuming 8,820 kWh/yr; Residential, Small General Service rate plan; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,275 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 25 degrees of tilt.
Otter Tail Power Sample Loan Purchase
8kW
8kW
15kW
15kW
Interest rate of 7%, 30% down (then take the tax credit)
10 year
15 year
10 year
15 year
Monthly loan payment
$208
$161
$390
$302
Monthly electric savings
-$96
-$96
-$180
-$180
Net monthly payment
$112
$65
$210
$122
Net profit (25 years)**
$9,639
$5,614
$18,073
$10,526
**Example Pricing only. Actual cost depends on system size, interest rate, credit score, & other factors. Prices do not include incentives besides 30% federal tax credit. Chart reflects year one average savings. Savings will grow each year as avoided utility electricity costs increase.
Join us at the West Central Research and Outreach Center. Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. We’ll take you through the technology, economics,…
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm CST
In-person,
Solar 101
Minnesota
Join us at the Fergus Falls Public Library. Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. We’ll take you through the technology, economics, financing and…
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm CST
In-person,
Solar 101
Minnesota
Join us at the Moorhead Public Library. Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. We’ll take you through the technology, economics, financing and more.…
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm CST
In-person,
Solar 101
Minnesota
