GOING SOLAR
Why Solar?
How our society creates energy is the second largest sector fueling the climate crisis. Switching to solar dramatically reduces a congregation’s greenhouse gas emissions, and can reduce the costs congregations pay for their electricity.
MNIPL has helped more than 40 congregations navigate solar system installation and join community solar gardens.
Why now?
Federal financial incentives are still available and can dramatically reduce the cost of a solar system. Rules changed on January 1 and will change again July 3. MNIPL can help you understand and correctly file for these incentives, but each times rules change it becomes harder to access the incentives. The sooner you act the more likely you are to benefit.
GET STARTED
Your Path to Solar
- Send 12 months of electric bills to Buff Grace at buff@mnipl.org if you're in southern Minnesota and to Bret Pence at bretpence@mnipl.org if you're in the Northland. We need the full bills. A usage report is not enough information.
- Our installer will create a design proposal with 30-year financial projections.
- Buff or support staff will review your proposal with you and discuss financing options.
- Depending on your finance option, pay 10% of system cost or sign commitment agreement.
- You are then safe harbored for the 30% or more federal direct pay and your solar system will progress on a standard construction process which we will detail for you before you sign.
Two Financing Options
Direct Purchase
Your organization or business pays for the solar system (10% by July 3) and it receives the many benefits: free electricity, 30% of the cost paid for by federal government, utility incentive payment, incentive payment from your city (if applicable).
Power Purchase Agreement
An investor pays for most or all the solar system which is installed on your building and supplies your electricity. The investor receives the benefits and guarantees 10% discount on your electricity costs. After 8 to 15 years (varies with site), your organization can purchase the system for a fraction of the original cost and receive all the electricity (100%) for free.
MNIPL is committed to finding innovative, community-focused approaches to creating more carbon-free energy options for our neighbors across the state.