Minnesota nonprofits using community solar to help veterans, families in need

Minnesota nonprofits are turning to community solar as a tool to fight poverty. Community solar typically involves households or businesses buying subscriptions to projects owned by a third-party developer. The power generated is credited to subscribers’ utility bills and generally reduces monthly payments. But the model comes with barriers such as credit score checks that can put it out of reach for some of those who have the most to potentially gain. Several Minnesota charities are experimenting with ways to spread the benefits. A proposed solar project in Duluth is among the latest designed to help disadvantaged communities. A clean energy nonprofit called Ecolibrium3 plans to build and eventually own the 40-kilowatt Lincoln Park Solar Garden and sell the power to benefit a veteran’s housing project and an emergency energy fund for families facing utility disconnections.