Luckily, those of us in Cook County/Grand Portage have access to a wealth of knowledge regarding alternative energy with the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP). 

Boreal Community Media spoke to Kat Meyo, Executive Director of the Cook County Local Energy Project to learn more about something called a “solar co-op”. 

What is a solar co-op? 

Solar co-op: a group of unbiased, vendor-neutral solar experts (organizations) that band together to provide equitable access to solar for all. Not only that, but the co-op aims to empower people to source their own electricity and power. 

CCLEP is one of those unbiased, vendor-neutral solar experts that comprise the co-op, which spans Duluth, Cook County, and the rest of the Arrowhead region of Minnesota. 

Other entities that are part of the Duluth and Arrowhead region co-op: Solar United Neighbors (SUN) which is a large entity that operates in many states and Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light (MNIPL). 

What is the purpose of the co-op?

Meyo started off by explaining the purpose of the solar co-op, which “exists to help expand the mission of SUN to local communities”. 

SUN’s exact mission is: “we’re a community of people building a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. We help people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights.”

“If you think of SUN as the lead organization, then CCLEP and MNIPL are there to help expand SUN’s mission into local communities that SUN may not have an opportunity to do so”, Meyo added. 

Who is the co-op for? 

If you’re interested in learning about solar, interested in installing solar onto your property, looking to go off-grid, looking to learn about ways you can save money by installing solar (including discounts on the actual installation and equipment, tax rebates, or how to sell energy back to electric companies, or all of the above, the co-op is for you. 

“The co-op acts as a force with locals to group buy solar, which provides competitive pricing for installation and equipment. The community members win because they get a deal they wouldn’t be able to get on their own, and the businesses win because they get a guaranteed amount of business. Plus, you’re connecting people to local business owners, which helps keep the money within the community.” 

Another benefit is having someone (or entities) with you the entire process, helping and guiding you to make the best decision on what solar project will work for your needs. “Not only do you have access to solar experts, but you also have your neighbors who have either gone through the solar installation process or are about to”, Meyo added. 

Why go solar? 

There are many benefits to opting for solar energy for some or all of your energy usage. In fact, solar energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sectors around the world. According to one source, between 2010 and 2019, solar rose from 0.06% to 1.11% of the global energy mix. In 2020, it recorded a record growth of 22% as installations experienced a boom.

And while it is gaining popularity, it can still provide a steep upfront cost for some people, which is why a solar co-op can be so beneficial. 

How the co-op works 

The Duluth/Arrowhead solar co-op opens twice a year, and anyone can join for free. The current enrollment period started on August 30, 2022, and will remain open until Jan 30, 2023. 

Individuals are welcome to join at any time during the open enrollment period, and you don’t have to have a plan to invest in a solar project, or even have a lot of solar knowledge at the time you sign up. If you’re just looking for information and education, you can do that too. 

“The co-op is for anyone, no matter how much or little you know about solar. It’s totally fine if you have no idea what type of solar installation project would work best for you, or if now is the right time for you. Our goal is to demystify the misconceptions about solar energy and provide accessible education to anyone who is interested. There is absolutely no pressure to sign a contract for installation and equipment at any time,” Meyo said. Additionally, you can drop out of the co-op at any time if you decide it isn’t a good fit for you. 

Oh, and if you’re interested in going “off-grid” like many Cook County/Grand Portage residents, the co-op can accommodate that too. 

Meyo said that during the last enrollment period, which occurred in early 2022, there were 170 members across the Duluth/Arrowhead region, and around 30 of those members were from Cook County/Grand Portage. 

“Our goal this round is to gain 150 members, with just as many from Cook County and Grand Portage as earlier this year”, she added. 

“Group buy”

If you do decide you’re ready to install solar, you’ll participate in the co-op “group buy”. 

When you’re part of the co-op, a committee is formed and a request goes out to local solar installers. Once bids are in, the committee decides which installer will provide the best deal to co-op members ready to install solar. The “deal” comes in the form of a percentage off the original price. This way, each individual member can get a solar installation that best fits their energy needs.

“You’re not tied down to one or two types of solar installs. The discount allows for everyone to get what they need and want, while still providing a much better price than people would get on their own. Everyone has their own contract with the company.” Meyo said. 

How much does it actually cost?

Ok, so how much does it actually cost to invest in solar energy as part of the co-op? 

Meyo says that price varies on a variety of factors, such as how much energy you want to gain from your solar installation, the discounts you may qualify for, to whether or not you sell some of the energy back to an energy company. 

The good thing about investing in solar at this time is that with the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, you can get a 30% tax credit on solar installation costs and equipment. 

“The details of the Inflation Reduction Act aren’t well-known by a lot of people, but there are a ton of incentives towards investing in solar and other types of renewable energy,” Meyo said.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Inflation Reduction Act and how it can benefit you, CCLEP has an entire section on its website with information. They’ve also included this calculator which can help you determine how much money you can save with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. 

You can also attend one of their upcoming information sessions that are free and open to anyone, not just co-op members (dates and times current at the time of posting. Click on the event link for the most up-to-date information):

• Solar 101 Workshop (free, open to the public but registration required)

• October 11, 2022, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, North House Folk School, Grand Marais, MN

• Trick or Treat Solar Home Tour (free, open to the public but registration required)

• October 29, 2022, 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Starts at Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais, MN

Meyo added: “Now is a great time to learn about solar energy and how it can benefit you and your household. There are ample discounts available through the co-op, tax incentives, and overall energy cost savings. Our hope is that people find the co-op to be a welcoming place to learn about solar projects, dispel misconceptions around solar, connect with community members, save money, and feel empowered to create their own energy.” 

For more information about the solar co-op or the Cook County Local Energy Project organization, visit their website: https://www.cookcountylocalenergy.org/