Eco-friendly plans are heating up in Edina. New energy policies achieved in the 2013 Minnesota legislative session mandate that Xcel Energy help fund community solar programs. According to Paul Thompson, co-director of Cool Planet, community solar gardens are popping up quickly in the metro area, and Cool Planet is pushing Edina to hop on the solar wagon.
Cool Planet has been hosting community solar informational sessions in addition to anchoring information on its website. “People have a lot of questions,” says Thompson, but he and the Cool Planet team believe powering homes with solar energy is simple.
Community solar is achieved with the investment of interested consumers who build the projects at their homes. Panels are placed on a roof, and “you, me and different residents purchase a ‘leaf’ of energy,” the smallest designated amount of solar energy, says Thompson.
Consumers have several options, he explains. “You can buy a ‘leaf’ of energy, you can buy five leaves of energy, and you can purchase up to 120 percent of your energy cost.” Some consumers purchase solar energy monthly, and others make full up-front payments to last 25 years. Regardless, “you get a rebate every month on your energy bill,” says Thompson.
Community solar also offers a number of ways to accommodate residents who relocate. If the consumer stays within the Xcel region, their investment can move with them, or they may give their investment to a family member, church or school. “You can keep access to your program, and you don’t have to do anything to your roof,” says Thompson.
Learn more at coolplanetmn.org.
