Now everyone can opt into affordable solar power

The cost of solar panels has dropped 99% since 1977 (from $76.67/kW to $0.74/kW in 2013). In Minnesota, the long-term electricity cost from solar has decreased below the rising cost of utility bills. Now, local residents are making solar accessible for everyone through a member-owned cooperative, Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF).

Homeowners can join the co-op and apply for the Made in Minnesota solar incentive to lease solar panels with no money down through the Gopher Solar program. The lease saves money beginning the first month. After 15 years, residents have full ownership of their array, which is warrantied for another 10 years of free power.

As Holly & Dan, Minneapolis participants in the 2014 leasing program, said: “CEF and its partners have made it possible for us to produce renewable energy! We are so grateful for this opportunity and can attest to how understandable and easy the process was.”

There are also loan options if residents prefer to own the system upfront.

Because applications for the Minnesota solar incentive are due February 28, 2015, interested residents should contact bruce@cooperativeenergyfutures.com or 612-568-2334 before Jan. 15, 2015.

But what about renters or families without good solar access? CEF is also helping Twin Cities communities organize solar gardens, large solar arrays that give renters and residents whose homes won’t work for solar the opportunity to subscribe. Just like buying a farm share, subscribing to community solar secures utility bill credits for 25 years of power.

While most Minnesota homes spend $900/year on electricity bills, community solar can provide 25 years of power for only around 12 years worth of cost. As a cooperative, CEF gives community solar subscribers ownership and control over a community energy business. Interested residents can learn more at http://cooperativeenergyfutures.com/communitysolar/.