Make Mine Solar Bulk Purchase Program | Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES)

Let’s Make Solar More Affordable!!

Minnesotans can now participate in a group purchasing program to reduce the cost and uncertainties of going solar. The goal of the program is to reduce the implementation barriers often presented to home and business owners looking into renewable energy systems. We provide free workshops to increase consumer education, site assessments, installation, equipment and structural engineering visits at a reduced cost, recommend approved installers and povide continued advice and guidance throughout the process.

PROGRAM: An initiative organized by the MN Renewable Energy Society (MRES) to enable easy and affordable installation of solar thermal systems (Solar Hot Water and Solar Air Heat) through bulk purchase discounts, utility rebates and federal incentives. The program is open to all property owners who wish to participate.

DEADLINE: Contracts with installers must be signed by September 30th, 2012.

PRICING: Set Price for a two-panel Solar Hot Water System with 16 systems purchased. Larger systems will be custom priced but will still recieve bulk pricing.

Velux Hot Water system

Equipment, Install and Permitting: $9600

With the following exceptions:

More involved Interior Pipe Runs may cost as much as $800
Pipe runs greater than 50 feet will be $40 for every extra foot. (Systems that fall under this category are typically houses taller than 2 stories or with mechanical rooms on the opposite side of the house from the panels)
Garage mounted systems requiring trenching to the house will need to be custom-priced by the installer
A structural review of your roof may be required and is NOT included in price: $500

PRICING: Set Price for a two-panel Solar Air Heating System with 10 systems purchased.

Larger systems will be custom priced but will still recieve bulk pricing.

Locally manufactured RREAL system

Equipment, Install and Permitting: $6000

With the following exceptions:

Unusual siding, such as brick or stucco, could add additional costs

What are the costs, the benefits and the incentives

available?

For an example of the impact of the program: a family of four will find that a two-collector solar water heater (about 60 square feet) will provide for about 2/3 of their yearly hot water needs, and this system would cost about $13,000 if it were purchased individually. By participating in the bulk-purchase program you will receive up to 20% discount in discounted equipment costs. Your final pricing will be given to you when you sign your contract with your installer after your site and usage have been examined.

You may also qualify for the following incentives.

30% Federal Tax Credit

Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Utility Rebate of $15 per sq ft of panel area

-Rochester Public Utility

-Austin Utilities

-Owantonna Public Utilities

For all details and a list of all statewide utility rebates visit www.dsireusa.org

A commercial operation, such as a restaurant, will experience an even more dramatic reduction in cost, with up to 80% of the original cost shaved down by the bulk-purchase and incentives for businesses. These numbers can vary depending on the difficulty on the install.

PROCESS:

1. Attend a Workshop, if possible

2. Purchase a Virtual Assessment - This is required before a full Site Assessment will be provided.

3. Purchase an On-Site Solar Assessment

4. Choose an Installer from our list who will work with you to coordinate and install the project.

Solar Connection

Innovative Power Systems

Aladdin Solar

Applied Energy Innovations

5. Get your system installed!