Go solar together: join the Northeast Minnesota solar co-op
- Stories
A bright opportunity for Northeast Minnesotans
Residents across the northeast region of Minnesota now have a unique opportunity to take control of their energy future. There’s never been a better time to go solar in northeast Minnesota.
Solar United Neighbors (SUN) has launched the Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op, open to homeowners and small business owners in Carlton, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, and Itasca counties. This community-led program is designed to make going solar easier and more affordable. The group is free to join and open to new members until June 30th, 2025.
What is a solar co-op?
A solar co-op is a group of neighbors who go solar together. By forming a co-op, members leverage their collective buying power to get a better price from a local solar installer than they might have on their own. Why go solar in a group? You’ll have the experts at Solar United Neighbors to help guide the process from start to finish by offering unbiased solar education, overseeing the installer bidding process, and supporting members every step of the way—but the co-op is truly member-driven. Members collectively review installers’ proposals and vote on which company to select. Solar co-ops put decision-making power in your hands while giving you access to expert guidance, and they’re free to join.
Real experiences from past solar co-op members
When Two Harbors residents Robbie and Joe Tietge decided to install solar panels in 2023, they had questions like: How much will it cost? Who could they trust? Where would they even start?
“We had been thinking about installing a solar system for several years, so we talked to our neighbors who had panels,” explains Robbie Tietge. “One of them told us about SUN—they help homeowners collaborate with folks in their community and become informed enough to feel confident going solar.”
For the Tietge’s, that group buying power was key. “This ‘group shopping’ benefits everyone in the solar co-op,” Joe Tietge points out. “The contractors offer a more attractive price for solar installations. Our group chose a local installer, and they have been professional, responsive, and great to work with, even with questions a year later. As part of our contract, they also worked with our local electric provider.” Thanks to their co-op experience, the Tietges are now proud solar owners and vocal advocates for SUN’s new Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op.
Going solar can seem complicated, especially when you’re trying to figure it out on your own. That’s where SUN comes in. With more than 24 successful co-ops across Minnesota, SUN has already helped more than 300 households, farms, and small businesses go solar with confidence.
“We have refined our processes through hundreds of installations,” says John Anderson, Minnesota Program Associate for SUN. “We help people make the switch with the tools and information they need—while also saving them money.”
Local support, trusted installers
One of the biggest benefits of joining a co-op is being part of a community of people with the same goal. Past members of SUN’s Minnesota solar co-ops have found the experience educational and empowering.
“Joining a SUN co-op in 2020 was very useful when I decided to go solar,” said Eric Buchanan, a Morris resident and Director of Renewable Energy for the West Central Research and Outreach Center. “It helped answer my questions about the process, it was fun to meet others in the community interested in going solar, and we got a great group rate.”
“Joining the SUN Minnesota solar co-op was the best decision we made for our home energy needs,” said Emily Bruce, who went solar through a 2020 co-op. “The process was straightforward, and the support from fellow co-op members and SUN staff made navigating the technology and installation decisions so much easier. We’re saving significantly on our electricity bills, and it feels good knowing we’re reducing our carbon footprint while supporting our energy independence.”
Solar energy backed by community partners
The Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op is supported by several regional partner organizations, including Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Cook County Local Energy Project, and Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to renewable energy options that are accessible to everyone. Whether you’re motivated by saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, or gaining energy independence, this co-op offers a practical, affordable path forward. Ready to explore solar for your home or business? Join the Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op today. Joining is free, and there’s no obligation to install. Have questions? Get them answered at our virtual Solar 101 on June 17, 2025 to learn more!
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