Go Solar!
Get closer to your green goals.
Does your roof face south?
In Minnesota, solar panels installed on south-facing roofs make the best use of the sun’s natural energy.
INTRODUCING
Solar Loans
Solar panels can be useful anywhere the sun shines. Many Minnesotans can produce sustainable electricity at home with a rooftop solar power system.
And solar loans are here to make it easier.
This website can help you see if solar might be for you, and how a solar loan can help you pay for it.
LEADING THE WAY
CU Green® Solar Loans brought to you in collaboration with
Why Solar
Eco-Friendly
Solar panels produce no emissions.
Long Life
Solar panels are warrantied for 25 years, and solar power systems make clean power for much longer.
Energy Independence
Solar panels rely only on the sun’s energy to generate power.
More Home Equity
Solar panel installation may increase a home’s resale value.
Pays You Back
Your system can pay for itself in as few as 7 years.
Low Maintenance
Once installed, solar panels need little attention to keep making power.
Your Home
Whether installing panels on your roof or on a patch of open land, experts recommend that you consider the following questions. These aren’t requirements, but solar panels will perform best if you can answer YES.
When Home Won’t Work
If your home is not well-suited for on-site solar, Xcel Energy and at least six other utilities across Minnesota allow homeowners to access solar power by subscribing to a Community Solar Garden. Learn more at the Clean Energy Resource Team’s Community Solar Garden Guide.
Energy Efficiency
Whatever kind of power you use, cutting your energy use means lower bills. Get energy-saving tips from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Typical Savings
Solar panels are a smart investment for many people. Qualifying homeowners can go solar with no down payment and 100% financing, and can see savings quickly. Often, panels can pay for themselves in 7 years or less. A trusted solar installer will walk through the specific tax credits and other potential incentives for your project.
SYSTEM
6 kW
A typical home solar installation in Minnesota is a 6 kW (kilowatt) system, producing most or all of a 1800 square-foot home’s energy needs.
LOAN AMOUNT
$21,035
A $21,035 loan will cover a typical 6kW solar system and its installation. For many Minnesotans, tax credits and other incentives can help you pay this loan off sooner.
SAVINGS
$41,155
The average 25-year projected solar savings for Minnesotans is $41,155, including all energy savings, and federal and local incentives.
Typical project sizing, cost and production comes from a Eutectics Consulting LLC survey of more than 80 Minnesota residential solar projects completed from 2016 to 2018.
Estimate your solar savings
Trusted Installers
To better serve our members and the general public, the Minnesota Credit Union Network issued a request for qualified solar installers. After a thorough review process, our committee selected these experienced contractors; additional installers may be added later. You can contact one of these solar installers directly for a quote for your home!
All Energy Solar
Based in St. Paul and with over 3000 solar customers, All Energy Solar is dedicated to making solar easy and affordable for home and business owners throughout Minnesota.
Apadana Solar Technologies
Apadana Solar Technologies is a full-service solar energy Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm for commercial, residential, agricultural, non-profit, and utility scale solar customers.
Solar Financing
Some of Minnesota’s top credit unions have established market-leading solar loans for residential installations. With a CU Green® Home Solar Loan, you can go solar with 100% financing and no down payment. You’ll also get a below-market-rate bonus in recognition of solar’s many benefits.
Finance your solar project using the equity in your home with a Home Solar Loan, available at both Affinity Plus and Hiway Credit Union.
For a loan that doesn’t use the equity in your home, the personal secured Solar Loan is available at Affinity Plus.
If you’re not already a credit union member, don’t worry. Finding a credit union that’s right for you is easy.
Other Resources
About the CU Green® Platform
How this program started
Confirm My Solar Suitability
via Google Project Sunroof
Solar Electricity for the Home, Farm and Business
A guide from the University of Minnesota
U.S. Department of Energy Solar 101
A video showing the science of solar panels
Community Solar Gardens
A guide to subscribing to off-site solar plants in Minnesota
Home Energy Efficiency Guide
Information about keeping your home comfortable, safe, durable and efficient
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