Community Solar Committee goals: to help guide policy and education on renewable energy, community solar, energy efficiency, and energy policy.
Minneapolis Community Solar
Minneapolis Climate Action is working with local partners to bring a unique Community Solar Garden (CSG) program to Minneapolis. Our program is based on the Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Community Program and rates approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
We are also a member of the Just Solar Coalition, a coalition of nonprofits, faith organizations, and renewable energy organizations grounded in these values:
"We support a transition to a green economy that not only includes everyone but also helps to close the employment gap, improves the natural world and creates a new story about the community's role in the energy system."
We are also a member of the Just Solar Coalition, a coalition of nonprofits, faith organizations, and renewable energy organizations grounded in these values:
"We support a transition to a green economy that not only includes everyone but also helps to close the employment gap, improves the natural world and creates a new story about the community's role in the energy system."
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WHAT IS COMMUNITY SOLAR?
A shared, centrally-located solar array system that provides electricity to participating subscribers. BECOME A SUBSCRIBER! Subscriptions in the CSG are estimated at $1,600 per kilowatt of capacity for qualified subscribers. This pricing includes a reduction in costs based on federal tax incentives for solar energy that the developer will pass-through to subscribers. A typical MN home uses 800 kWh per month, or 9600 kWh per year. A 4 kW subscription could provide half the electricity used by the average MN home. Solar power production from your shares is shown and credited on your monthly Xcel bill. |
Learn more about Community Solar Gardens
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Subscribers pay an annual $12 fee on the credits they received in the previous year. These funds are used for operation and maintenance expenses. Each year, subscribers receive a detailed report of the total amount electricity generated, total credits paid by Xcel Energy and any unsubscribed or unallocated credits, and all actual expenses for maintenance and administration of the membership base.
WHAT IF I MOVE OR NEED TO SELL?
Unlike solar panels on your own roof, the electricity credits move where you move. As long as you have an Xcel energy bill and live in a county that borders the CSG, the credits will transfer to your new bill at your new home. Subscribers have the option to sell their subscriptions to another qualifying subscriber or to the solar developer at any time based on a formula over the 25-year life of the CSG contract with Xcel Energy.
BENEFITS
WHAT IF I MOVE OR NEED TO SELL?
Unlike solar panels on your own roof, the electricity credits move where you move. As long as you have an Xcel energy bill and live in a county that borders the CSG, the credits will transfer to your new bill at your new home. Subscribers have the option to sell their subscriptions to another qualifying subscriber or to the solar developer at any time based on a formula over the 25-year life of the CSG contract with Xcel Energy.
BENEFITS
- Enables renters or others with roofs unsuitable for solar to participate.
- Energy cost offsets move with you, even if you move homes.
- Make your money back (& then some...) with an estimated 8 year Return on Investment (ROI).
- Subscriptions can cover up to 120% of your annual electricity usage.
- Electricity rates are locked in for 25 years.
- Quality assurances, turn-key maintenance and energy guarantees.