Community Solar
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC) is partnering with Minneapolis-based solar provider US Solar to offer people with low incomes access to the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Community Solar Garden Program.
The program enables eligible homeowners and renters to save money and support local, clean energy without having solar panels installed on their property and without upfront costs.
Eligibility
You’re eligible for the Community Solar Garden (CSG) Program if you meet the following requirements:
- You live in Hennepin County.
- You receive an Xcel Energy bill for your home’s electricity usage.
- You have been approved for an assistance program that serves people with low incomes anytime since October 1, 2023.
Please note:
Participating in the CSG Program will not affect your eligibility for energy assistance in the future. We simply want to help you reduce your energy bills and promote clean, efficient energy.
How It Works
The CSG Program allows you to save money, support local clean energy, and have more control over your power, without ever installing panels on your roof.
Income-eligible families save an average of $250 the first year. It’s as easy as sun, two, three!
Eligibility Screening
Complete the CSG Program Interest Form to get started, and a staff member will follow up with you to answer your questions and determine your eligibility.
Enrollment
If you qualify, we’ll get you enrolled in the CSG Program with a solar garden subscription (Sunscription).
Community solar gardens are located throughout Minnesota, and they generate energy for Xcel Energy’s electric grid.
Savings
Once the solar garden begins producing energy, a monthly bill credit and subscription fee will be applied to your Xcel Energy bill. The credit is always more than the fee, ensuring you save money.
Our Partners
CAP-HC is grateful to our Community Solar partners for their commitment to providing opportunities for people with low incomes to save money by harnessing the power of clean energy!
This organization is operating under the Low and Moderate-Income Accessible Community Solar Garden (CSG) Program, a state-enabled initiative overseen by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The CSG Program provides resources to and oversight of Subscriber Organizations but does not promote any individual community solar garden or Subscriber Organization.
For more information about the LMI-Accessible CSG Program, visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce website, email them at CommunitySolar@state.mn.us,or call 651-539-1886. Income-eligible customers may qualify for additional savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community solar Garden program?
Overseen by Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Community Solar Garden Program helps renters and homeowners save on electricity costs even if they can’t install solar panels due to things like upfront cost, roof space, or renting.
Providers, like US Solar, build solar gardens across the state, bringing clean energy onto Xcel Energy’s power grid. Minnesota residents with electricity service from Xcel can join a solar garden and receive bill credits for participating. The monthly credit amount is based on how much energy the garden generates and your household’s energy usage the month prior.
How Does the Community solar Garden program benefit me?
Minnesota’s program requires that for income-eligible subscribers solar garden subscription (Sunscription) costs cannot exceed the value of the solar garden bill credit. This requirement ensures savings for income-eligible subscribers. In Minnesota, families save an average of $250 annually!
Do I need to have any Equipment installed on or around my home?
No installation needed! Solar gardens are built throughout Minnesota, generating energy for Xcel Energy’s electric grid that will be credited to eligible participant accounts.
Is there a cost to participate in the Community Solar Garden PrograM?
Although a solar garden subscription (Sunscription) fee is billed each month, Minnesota’s program requires that the value of monthly bill credits must be more than fee costs for income-eligible subscribers. This requirement ensures you’ll save money.
If you select Utility-Combined Billing, Xcel Energy will facilitate your Sunscription payment. You will never see a bill from Sunscription, only the regular Xcel bill credits.
What are the qualifications for the Community solar Garden program?
Please refer to the Eligibility section above.
How much will my bill credit be each month?
Your bill credit will vary each month based on the amount of energy the solar garden produces and your household electricity usage.
In less sunny months, the solar garden will produce less energy and bill credit amounts will be smaller. When the solar garden generates more energy in sunnier months, your bill credit amount may be more than you need and can be used to help offset costs in less sunny months.
Will participating in the Community Solar Garden Program disqualify me from Energy Assistance or other programs?
Participating in the Community Solar Garden Program will not affect your eligibility for energy assistance in the future. We simply want to help you reduce your energy bills and promote clean, efficient energy.
Still have questions? Email us at caphcsolar@caphennepin.org or call 952-697-1304 to leave a message.
Get Started
Ready to learn more and determine your eligibility? Complete this form and a staff member will follow up with you about next steps.
You may be asked to provide proof of your participation in at least one program, such as a copy of your Energy Assistance Program award letter or SNAP card.
Community Solar Garden Interest Form