Two solar bulk buys powered by SUN

At Solar United Neighbors, we are working on two solar co-ops this spring and summer in Minnesota. These are opportunities for folks to come together, learn about solar energy, and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive price and with top quality equipment.

Both co-ops are currently open, they are free to join, and entail no obligation on your part if you sign up. We have one in the west central part of the state called the Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op for folks in Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin counties.

We also have one one called the Fields and Forests Solar Co-op for folks in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties.

Last year was a major success for the Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op. Over a hundred people joined the co-op and 21 solar installation projects moved forward, so we are excited to be doing another round.

Small businesses and nonprofits that own their own building are more than welcome to sign up and learn more about how solar might work for them and get a free proposal. I know everyone's situation can be unique with business and nonprofits so feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to learn more about if solar might be a good fit for you.
 

We've always found that local partners are crucial to having a successful co-op so we are always excited to partner with local groups. In addition to working with CERTs, with the Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op we are working with Fergus Falls based West Central Initiative and the Morris Model. And with the Fields and Forests Solar Co-op we are partnering with Little Falls based Initiative Foundation, as well as the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance. 

Great question. First there's a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, we are vendor neutral and review all the bids to make sure the installers reputation and their proposals meet our standards. Then solar co-op members who have volunteered to serve on a selection committee will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Joining the solar co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will receive a detailed proposal from the installer and decide if they'd like to move forward with installing a solar array based on the installer’s group rate.