MINNEAPOLIS, MN – This month, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association is launching a Minnesota series of Solar Power Hours – a one-hour informational sessions about solar energy for your home or business. The series will feature over a dozen presentations throughout the summer in communities around the state, with a focus on the Twin Cities area.
Click here to view the full list of events at MREA’s Grow Solar website.
The Solar Power Hour series is hosted by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), a non-profit organization, in partnership with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), Clean Energy Resource Teams, and municipalities and neighborhoods around Minnesota.
“Solar is accessible to more people than ever before, with Minnesota’s community solar program and the decreasing cost of solar,” said Devon Cupery, Engagement Manager at the MREA. “As a non-profit organization, our goal is to make information about solar energy options readily available to the public.”
Topics will include solar for your home, community solar, and solar for businesses. The presentation will address the basics of solar, financial considerations, available incentives, and how to evaluate a report from an installer. Representatives from the MREA and CEE will be present to answer questions about solar energy options, energy efficiency, and solar financing.
“Solar is a complex industry,” said Peter Murphy, Market Development Coordinator at MREA. “It can be a complicated process for residents to figure out who to work with and what advantages and disadvantages exist when considering a solar array. The Power Hour is a way for us to do a lot of up-front education for residents who may be interested but aren’t sure where to start.”
To learn more about the series and view the full list of events, visit the Grow Solar website at www.growsolar.org/mn.
The MREA is currently seeking partnering solar installers and community solar developers for the 2017 Solar Power Hour Program. Proposals are due Monday, June 26 at 5:00pm. Visit www.growsolar.org/mn to learn more and download the RFP.
The Solar Power Hour series will lead up to MREA’s flagship event, The Energy Fair, coming to Minnesota for the first time September 9-10, 2017. The Fair will take place at Harriet Island Park near downtown St. Paul, featuring interactive workshops, exhibitors, live music, inspiring keynotes, family fun, great local food, and more. Admission to workshops and exhibits will be free and open to the public. Friday, September 8th is a pre-Fair Solar Professional Day. Learn more at www.TheEnergyFair.org.
Financial incentives are available for solar PV through multiple channels, including the Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credit, which offers a 30% tax credit on solar PV installation. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) website at Dsireusa.org for additional policy information on the federal solar tax credit.
About MREA: The Midwest Renewable Energy Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization. Founded in 1990, the MREA promotes renewable energy and sustainable living through education and demonstration. The Shoreview Power Hour series is made possible with support from the Carolyn Foundation. To learn more about the MREA, call 715-592-6595 or visit www.midwestrenew.org.
About CEE: Center for Energy and Environment is a 501(c)(3)-designated nonprofit organization. CEE’s mission is to promote energy efficiency to strengthen the economy while improving the environment.
About CERTs: The Clean Energy Resource Teams—or CERTs—are a statewide partnership with a shared mission to connect individuals and their communities to the resources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects.
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