The tremendous success of Grow Solar Twin Cities in 2018 and 2019, coupled with by a strong partnership between the Pale Blue Dot, the City of Brooklyn Park, Oakdale Environmental Management Commission, Resilient Cities and Communities, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has powered the launch of a third solar group buy program in the Twin Cities and five-county metro area.
About Grow Solar Twin Cities
Built on Success & Powered by Partnership
The strong partnership between Pale Blue Dot, the City of Brooklyn Park, Oakdale Environmental Management Commission, Resilient Cities and Communities, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has powered the launch of three solar group buy programs in the Twin Cities and five-county metro area in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
The 2021 Grow Solar Twin Cities program has come to an end. Read on for more information on group buy programs.
Join a free, virtual Solar Power Hour to learn how you can go solar this year!
What makes our group buys so successful?
Competitive Pricing: The MREA’s competitive request for proposals process ensures you a competitive price and the simplicity of working with a single installer. Most individuals receive a price per watt lower than what is otherwise available from this solar installer. The more people that buy in, the more benchmarks are surpassed, the lower the price becomes. We do recommend that individuals consider all their options before signing a contract to ensure that they are receiving the best value and quality available for their proposed system.
Community Support & Outreach: Our programs are supported by both the leaders and community members of the Twin Cities and five-county metro area and they’re excited and active about spreading the word! Through the help of your jurisdiction leaders and community members, the MREA facilitates a number of one-hour Solar Power Hours for your community. These educational events cover the basics of solar, financials, your property’s solar readiness, and how to participate in Grow Solar Twin Cities.
Limited-time Offering: This deal is only available for a short time! By including deadlines, the program is able to offer reduced prices.
2021 Program Installer: TruNorth Solar
TruNorth Solar is a solar installation company in Minnesota specializing in residential, commercial and utility sized PV projects. They are also developing solar gardens.
With a reputation for integrity and high quality work, TruNorth Solar has comprehensive knowledge of the solar industry and the regulatory structure in which it operates. This allows their team to capitalize on new policies to the benefit of our customers and the environment. Inspired by former Medtronic CEO Bill George and his book True North, TruNorth Solar encourages its employees, partners and clients to set their internal compass toward environmental stewardship.
Their Mission reflects our relentless passion for the stewardship of the planet and our dedication to leadership in creating a cleaner energy future. Marty Morud, TruNorth Solar’s founder, is credited with being a prime mover behind the Minnesota community solar garden law and implementing regulations and tariffs. Marty is trusted by lawmakers, the solar industry community and Xcel Energy. Marty leads the CSG working group through the Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association (MNSEIA) and also co-leads the Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards working group. Marty represents the local solar industry at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MnPUC), testifying often on behalf of garden developers.
Solar installers for Grow Solar group buy programs are selected through a competitive Request for Proposals process and selected by a panel of local energy experts, community members and MREA staff.
2019 & 2018 Results
93 homes went solar in the previous programs, putting 488.7 kW of clean, renewable energy into Twin Cities and the five-county metro area. Almost 350 people attended our educational Solar Power Hours. We will host a minimum of 12 Solar Power Hours throughout the summer of 2021 up to the deadline of October 31. Don’t delay and join Grow Solar Twin Cities 3.0 to begin your solar journey today!
Word-of-mouth and social media connection between participants was absolutely critical in this achievement. As a result, people flying over the Twin Cities area will see almost 500 kW of new Grow Solar-inspired solar panels powering our region to a clean energy future. The Grow Solar Twin Cities organizers are proud of our community’s performance and we hope to build upon 2019 and 2018’s success.
