Curious about solar energy?

Have you been solar curious, but not known how to make it work for you? Then join the Tangletown Neighborhood Association at our Explore Solar Virtual Panel on Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. Three expert panelists will discuss different ways to incorporate solar into your energy use, and how it can positively impact our environment. Register at tangletown.org/solar and read on for more information about solar energy and our upcoming event.
Renewable energy generation is on the rise in Minnesota. In 2020, renewable sources of electricity such as wind, solar and hydropower accounted for a full 29% of in-state electricity net generation. While total electricity generation from solar energy in Minnesota is still only a little more than 3% of the state’s net generation, the use of solar technology to generate power has increased markedly since 2013 and continues to grow year over year. So, now is an excellent time to be investigating options for using solar energy, including if you’re a renter.
There are two ways to access solar energy for your residential needs. The first is installing solar panels on your roof which is what most people first think about when considering solar. But only certain homes are good candidates for solar panels and not everyone owns their home. So option two is to sign up for a community solar garden.
Community solar gardens allow you to purchase power generation from a large solar array development. Usually, a customer buys a portion of solar energy generated by a garden which can be located anywhere in your county or an adjacent county. This portion would match your residence’s average energy use per month. Then the customer sees a credit on their energy bill equivalent to the amount they purchased from the solar garden. Some exciting perks of community solar is that many programs do not require an upfront payment, your subscription can travel with you if you move residences, and often you save money on your energy bills. Community solar gardens in the Twin Cities Metro are owned by private companies and nonprofits and not your electric utility. The programs offered vary widely so it is important to do your research and be sure you understand the program you are buying into. Read the fine print and understand the terms!
There are some very good resources for understanding both solar installation at your home and community solar options. The Citizens Utility Board has a great consumer guide that you can download. And the Clean Energy Resources Teams and Minnesota Renewable Energy Society are good websites to get you started on your solar journey. Also, Xcel Energy has some renewable energy programs.
If you’d like to learn more, we encourage you to attend our Explore Solar Virtual Panel on April 21 that will feature local experts on everything solar. We will be discussing solar power generation and policy, and we will cover the pros and cons of installing solar panels on your residence as well as community solar garden subscriptions. Experts include Frank Jossi, climate journalist and correspondent for Midwest Energy News; Kyle Samejima, Executive Director Minneapolis Climate Action; and Mark Webber, President of the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society.
Common questions: Is my house too shady? Can I access solar energy as a renter? What are the upfront costs? What is community solar? Can I afford solar energy? How does it work? Does solar really make an impact on climate change?
Register at www.tangletown.org/solar to receive the Zoom link. A recording will also be made available after the event if you are unable to attend live. Now is the time to move forward with renewable energy. We hope you can join us!