Open to new members

Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op

Open to residents and small businesses in the Twin Cities metro area. This solar co-op is not a legally incorporated entity. It is an informally organized group of engaged and educated consumers that SUN brings together for a limited time to leverage their buying power to get the best price and service from a local solar installer. Members of the group are encouraged to stay engaged with SUN after the solar co-op is disbanded but this is not required.

89 members of 175 member goal

Registration closes on May 31, 2024
Join the co-op

Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”

That’s a solar co-op!

In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:

    • Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs.
    • A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar.
    • A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
    • Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
    • A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs, and puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.

Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits, or view our FAQs.

How does a co-op work?

Can’t make it to our Solar 101?

Watch the recorded session below for general information on solar, how our co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.

How much does solar cost? How much can you save?

Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op selects iSolar LLC to serve group

Friday, March 15, 2024

The Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op has selected iSolar LLC to install solar panels for the 64 (and growing) member group. Co-op members selected iSolar through a competitive bidding process over six other firms.  Co-op members selected iSolar because of their extensive warranty, favorable payment milestones, and previous co-op experience.

The co-op is open to new members until May 31. Twin Cities residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up on the co-op web page. The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels.

iSolar will provide each co-op member with an individualized proposal based on the group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, members can save on the cost of going solar, as well as have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.

Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op releases RFP

Monday, February 5, 2024

The Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op today issued a request for proposals (RFP) from area solar installers. The group members created the co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. The City of Minneapolis, City of Coon Rapids, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, and Minnesota Renewable Energy Society are the co-op partners. The group also announced it will host an information meeting via Zoom on February 13 and February 29 to educate the community about solar and the co-op process.

 

Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP here. Residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up on the co-op web page.

 

The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Co-op members will select a single company to complete all of the installations. They will then have the option to purchase panels individually based on the installer’s group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer–members can save on the cost of going solar, have the support of fellow group members, and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.

Co-op launched
January 10, 2024

Upcoming events

Installer selected

Co-op members selected iSolar to be the group's installer through an open and competitive bidding process.

The company is in the process of developing personalized proposals for each co-op participant.

Co-op organizer

Bobby King
Minnesota Program Director
Solar United Neighbors

Hello and thank you for checking out the solar co-op!
Whether you’re just curious about solar, or you’re ready to make the switch now, I’m here to help. I can answer any questions you have about solar. I’ll give you installer-neutral guidance to help you make an informed, confident decision about going solar.
I have worked as an organizer in Minnesota for more than 20 years, bringing people together to create and pass policies that prioritize strong community and local resiliency. I work throughout Minnesota, helping communities go solar, join together, and fight for energy rights. Solar co-ops are a big part of this work!
I love seeing fellow Minnesotans harvesting sunshine to lower their electric bills and build a clean, equitable energy system in their communities!
Take a look around the co-op page, and let me know how I can help you today.

Call me: 612-293-7267

Email me

Partners

City of Coon Rapids City of Eden Prairie City of Minneapolis City of Minnetonka Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light Minnesota Renewable Energy Society Two Rivers Community Land Trust