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Solar co-op opens on the heels of the Inflation Reduction Act, making going solar even easier for Duluth and Arrowhead residents
Nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN), Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Cook County Local Energy Project recently launched the Duluth and Arrowhead Solar Co-op to help Duluth and Arrowhead area residents go solar. The solar co-op will host two upcoming free solar information sessions on Tuesday, October 25 and Tuesday, December 6.
The solar co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Duluth and Arrowhead. Together, solar co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive price and top quality.
“The solar co-op model is really an assisted group process, where people learn and act together to drive down solar costs, for themselves and others,” said Bret Pence, Greater Minnesota Director, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light.
After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, which remains vendor neutral, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.
“While rooftop solar has broad appeal, the challenge for many in making the dream a reality is knowing where to start,” said Bobby King, Minnesota state program director for Solar United Neighbors. “That’s where our solar co-ops come into play: we provide installer-neutral know-how, so folks can feel confident that they’re getting a good deal and the right system for their home or business.”
Solar co-op members will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the solar tax credit for rooftop solar, thanks to the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA increases the tax credit to 30 percent and extends it for another 10 years, while also expanding other clean energy incentives, like home battery storage. These credits make solar and electrification more affordable than ever.
The Duluth and Arrowhead Solar Co-op plans to make going solar even more affordable for low-income families in the area. Solar co-op partners Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, Cook County Local Energy Project, and One Roof Community Housing are raising funds to support the installation of solar on low-income households. Donations can be made online at: www.mnipl.org/sharethesun.
SUN has been helping neighbors join together and go solar since 2013. Around the country, SUN has completed 325 solar co-ops, helping more than 7,000 people go solar, including over 200 in Minnesota.
Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the solar co-op at the solar co-op web page solarunitedneighbors.org/duluth.
Information meetings are planned for:
Tuesday, October 25 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP online at the Minnesota solar information session website
Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. RSVP online
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