GOING SOLAR
Why Solar?
How our society creates energy is the second largest sector fueling the climate crisis. Switching to solar dramatically reduces a congregation’s greenhouse gas emissions, and, in many cases, can reduce the costs congregations pay for their electricity.
MNIPL has helped more than two dozen congregations navigate solar system installation and join community solar gardens.
Why now?
The fall of 2025 is a unique moment in energy transition, and MNIPL is putting all our efforts into helping faith communities, nonprofits, and small businesses get rooftop solar systems. We will return to energy efficiency and other efforts in 2026, but for now SOLAR IS THE MOMENT.
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Communities of faith, conscience, or spiritual practice, as well as nonprofits and small businesses, that pay 10% of the cost of their solar system before the end of the year will qualify to hold on to the eligible 30% direct payment from the federal government. Beginning in 2026, new rule will make it very difficult if not impossible to qualify for these thousands of dollars in federal payments.
NOW IS THE TIME TO GO SOLAR!
Your Path to Solar
- Send 12 months of electric bills to Buff Grace at buff@mnipl.org. We need the full bills. A usage report is not enough information.
- Our installer will create a design proposal with 30-year financial projections.
- Buff or support staff will review your proposal with you and discuss financing options.
- Depending on your finance option, pay 10% of system cost or sign commitment agreement.
- Have until end of 2027 to for your system to be completed.
For more information see this information sheet.
Two Financing Options
Direct Purchase
Your organization or business pays for the solar system (10% in 2025, the remaining in 2026 or 2027) and it receives the many benefits: free electricity, 30% of the cost paid for by federal government, utility incentive payment, incentive payment from your city (if applicable).
Power Purchase Agreement
An investor pays for the solar system which is installed on your building and supplies your electricity. The investor receives the benefits and guarantees 10% or more discount on your electricity costs. After 8 to 15 years (varies with site), your organization can purchase the system for a small fraction of the original cost and receive all the electricity (100%) for free.
The Just Solar Coalition
The Just Solar Coalition was convened in 2014. Together with our coalition partners, MNIPL embraced a vision of 100 percent access to the benefits of clean energy. We support a transition to a green economy that not only includes everyone, but also helps to close the employment gap, improves the natural world, and creates a new story about the community's role in the energy system.
The Just Solar Coalition includes Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, Community Power, the Sierra Club, Cooperative Energy Futures, and Renewable NRG Partners. We have been supported by grants from the Headwaters Foundation, the Global Shapers, and the McKnight Foundation.