Farm & Business Support

Renewable Energy for Greater Minnesota

Is solar right for your business or farm?

  1. The least expensive energy is the energy you don't use. Start with energy efficiency. Your utility may offer energy assessments. If they don't, talk to us about other options.
  2. If you have flat or southern-facing roof areas or open land free from shade then you could have a suitable site for solar PV.
  3. You can cover as little or as much of your electricity use as you like, and we can help you understand how to size a system to fit your needs and budget.
  4. Funding, financing, and incentives at the local, state, and federal levels combined with reduced equipment costs are helping farms and businesses install more solar now than ever before.

Resources & Assistance from CERTs

  1. Explore projects that could work for your farm or business.

  2. Identify potential funding and financing options.

  3. Get free, reliable one-on-one assistance on your project.

Contact us

Grant & Loan: USDA REAP

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) from USDA Rural Development is a great opportunity for Minnesota farmers and rural businesses to save energy with efficiency work and add renewable energy systems. 

Financing: Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

PACE is a proven way to finance clean energy projects for commercial property owners. Measures pursued by the owners receive project financing and are repaid as a separate item on their property tax assessment for a set period.

Utility Rebates & Tax Incentives

There are federal, state, utility, and other incentives that help buy down the cost of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Featured Project Examples

Helpful Downloads

Notes on Solar Decommissioning
Renewable Energy and Land Taxation
Renewable Energy for Greater MN factsheet

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