Information session to be held in Morris Nov. 12

The nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op to help area residents go solar. 

“If you’ve ever thought about going solar, now’s your chance,” said John Anderson, Minnesota Program Associate for Solar United Neighbors. “The solar co-op provides hands-on support to help members feel confident in their decision to go solar.”

The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkins Counties. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and use their numbers to buy individual solar systems at a discounted group price. 

Joining the solar co-op is not a commitment to make a purchase. Members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.

After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. SUN provides guidance on the process but remains vendor neutral, empowering the co-op members to decide. 

SUN is partnering with Clean Energy Resource Teams, the Morris Model, and West Central Initiative to promote the co-op.

“Joining a SUN co-op in 2020 was very useful when I decided to go solar,” said Eric Buchannan, Morris resident and Director of Renewable Energy for the West Central Research and Outreach Center. “It helped answer my questions about the process, it was fun to meet others in the community interested in going solar, and we got a great group rate.”

SUN will host several free Solar 101s to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op web page, https://solarunitedneighbors.org/co-ops/minnesota/lakes-and-prairies-solar-co-op/.

The Lakes and Prairies Solar Co-op is the first for the region. Hundreds of Minnesota families have gone solar with Solar United Neighbors’ help through a solar co-op.

Information sessions are planned for:

• Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m., at the  West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 MN-329, Morris, MN 56267

• Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., at the Fergus Falls Public Library, 205 E Hampden Ave., Fergus Falls, MN 56537

• Thursday, Jan. 23, Moorhead Public Library, 118 5th St S, Moorhead, MN 56560

About Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that works in Minnesota and nationwide to represent the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Solar co-ops are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment and advocate for fair solar policies.