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.
What’s a co-op?
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.
How does a co-op work?
Watch this short video to learn more about our solar co-ops!
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Todd Wadena Electric Co-op customer consuming 15,912 kWh/yr; 12.8kW system size; Residential General (R) rate plan before and after solar; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,243 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 20 degrees of tilt.
Minnesota Power
Sample Cash Purchase
50% offset
100% offset
Average MN solar co-op pricing ($2.85/Watt)
$10,830
$21,660
Net Cost
$10,830
$21,660
Estimated year 1 electricity savings
$686
$1,319
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)
$7,338
$14,114
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years)
$20,619
$39,612
Net Savings*
$9,789
$17,952
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Minnesota Power customer consuming 8,832 kWh/yr; 7.6kW system size; Residential (20, 22) rate plan before and Residential – Distributed Generation (20, 22-DG) after solar; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,652 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 20 degrees of tilt.
Crow Wing Co-op Power and Light
Sample Cash Purchase
50% offset
100% offset
Average MN solar co-op pricing ($2.85/Watt)
$11,823
$23,655
Net Cost
$11,823
$23,655
Estimated year 1 electricity savings
$630
$1,244
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)
$6,743
$13,267
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years)
$18,925
$37,050
Net Savings*
$7,102
$13,395
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Crow Wing Co-op Power and Light customer consuming 10,314 kWh/yr; 8.3kW system size; Residential (R) rate plan before and after solar; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,242 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 20 degrees of tilt.
Brainerd Public Utilities
Sample Cash Purchase
50% offset
100% offset
Average MN solar co-op pricing ($2.85/Watt)
$9,263
$9,263
Net Cost
$9,263
$18,525
Estimated year 1 electricity savings
$398
$667
Estimated year 10 savings (cumulative)
$4,257
$7,141
Estimated lifetime savings (25 years)
$11,948
$20,042
Net Savings*
$2,685
$1,517
*Example Pricing only; Actual system size will vary. Modeling assumptions: Brainerd Public Utilities customer consuming 7,981 kWh/yr; 6.5kW system size; Residential (01. 03) rate plan before and after solar; 2%/yr electricity price increase; -0.5%/yr panel degradation; 1,228 yearly kWh production per 1kW of solar; 180 degrees of azimuth; 20 degrees of tilt.
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. We’ll take you through the technology, economics, financing and more. You’ll also learn about the Solar Co-op…
6:00 pm – 12:00 am CDT
Solar 101,
Virtual
Minnesota
Join us in-person at the Initiative Foundation! 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 am – 8:00 pm CDT
In-person,
Solar 101
Minnesota
Join us in-person at Crow Wing County Land Services building. 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 CDT
In-person,
Solar 101
Minnesota
