Go Solar with Solar United Neighbors!

Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op Now Accepting 2025 Applications

Online Informational Meeting Scheduled for June 17, 2025!

Residents of Northeast Minnesota have a new opportunity to go solar together through the Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op, a group buying program organized by the national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors (SUN). The co-op is now accepting applications for the 2025 installation season, offering homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits in the region a chance to save money and simplify the process of going solar.

What Is a Solar Co-op?

The solar co-op model brings together groups of neighbors who are interested in installing solar panels and helps them navigate the process from start to finish. By purchasing solar products as a group, participants can access competitive pricing, learn from one another, and gain expert guidance. Solar United Neighbors supports members throughout the entire process, from understanding solar technology to reviewing quotes and selecting an installer.

Joining the co-op is free and open to residents and small business owners across Northeast Minnesota. There is no obligation to purchase a solar system when you sign up for the co-op. Each member can decide whether going solar is right for them after receiving a personalized proposal.

The Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op is part of a growing national movement to make solar more accessible and affordable, creating energy equity. With a focus on community empowerment, SUN has helped more than 7,500 homes go solar across the country.

Cook County resident Chris O’Brian, who is also the chair of the local Cook County Local Energy Project, explained why his group was working to promote the co-op,

“The ‘group buy’ effect is a great way for people to get a low price from a reputable installer. In addition, people can ask each other and those who have gone solar before in their community when they have questions which can make the whole process go smoother.” 

What is the Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op

On March 12th Solar United Neighbors (SUN), along with local partners including the Cook County Local Energy Project and Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light launched a new group called the Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op. 

SUN is a nationwide non-profit that has helped over 340 Minnesota households, farmers, and small businesses adopt solar power through solar co-ops. And SUN’s new Northeast Minnesota Solar Co-op is currently accepting new members from the northeast part of the state including Carlton, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, and Itasca counties, with the goal of making solar more affordable and accessible in the region.

SUN also provides technical and customer support for co-op members throughout the process. It’s a great way to meet like-minded solar enthusiasts in the community.

More Benefits of Going Solar

In addition to group buying power, folks who decide to go forward with a solar installation are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit. This allows homeowners to claim 30% of their solar installation costs as a non-refundable income tax credit. This incentive is also available to entities that don't pay federal income tax - such as schools, local governments, and churches, through a cash reimbursement option. While there may be some changes to this tax credit in the future, at this moment the credit remains.

Learn More About Going Solar!

If you’ve been considering going solar, this is an excellent opportunity to explore your options alongside your fellow neighbors. An informational meeting was held on Tuesday, May 13 at the Grand Marais Community Center where over a dozen community members gathered to learn more about solar.

Still interested in solar and weren't able to make the in-person meeting on May 13? There will be an online webinar hosted on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Access the information from the comfort of your own home! 

Attendees will learn about the benefits of solar energy, how the co-op works, and what to expect throu'[]ghout the application and installation process. There will also be time for Q&A with representatives from SUN.

Those planning to attend the informational meeting are asked to register in advance to give the organizers an idea of headcount for the event. Registration is free.

The deadline to join the co-op for 2025 is June 30. Visit this link to join the co-op and for more information on SUN. Again, joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar.

You can learn more, including about upcoming informational sessions and how to join the co-op on SUN’s website at www.solarunitedneighbors.org/NEMN, or contact SUN directly at MNTeam@solarunitedneighbors.org.