SolarWise

SolarWise™

SolarWise, our community-based solar gardens, creates an easy and affordable way for our members to support an environmentally-friendly energy alternative.

Benefits of the SolarWise program include:

You avoid costs associated with installing solar panels on your property, along with maintenance and repair
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are retired on your behalf. You'll get an annual certificate representing the retirement.
No contracts - can cancel at any time. You do not own the output of energy from the panels, no energy credit on your electric bill.

Join the Renewable Energy Club

Go green without making a long-term financial commitment. Pay an additional fee on your regular bill, to offset all (or half) of your homes electric usage with the solar energy produced by the community solar garden.

Pay As You Go

$5.00 per month - Half House
$10.00 per month - Whole House

Annual Membership - Whole House

$120 annually
No monthly charge

*Annual membership - new enrollments will be pro-rated based on the enrollment month. Annual membership will automatically renew in January.

Why it costs more

When you subscribe to the SolarWise program, you are matching the amount of energy you use with a renewable source (solar) by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). Subsequently, the SolarWise program retires RECs on your behalf with a company called M-RETS, ensuring the energy you subscribe to is indeed matched with a green energy source.

View real-time output of our SolarWise Community Solar Garden located in Ramsey, MN.

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Begin Enrollment

Yes, please sign me up for Renewable Energy Club.

Note: This program is open to Connexus Energy homeowners/members only.

All fields with an * are required.

Name on Account *

Account Number *

Address *

City *

State *

Zip *

Daytime Phone *

Email Address *

Do you want to offset all or half of your homes current electric usage?

*Annual membership - new enrollments will be pro-rated based on the enrollment month. Annual membership will automatically renew in January.

FAQs

Why is Connexus Energy offering a community solar garden?

Our members have shown a strong interest in alternative energy sources. Solar gardens not only make solar energy more affordable for everyone, it is well-suited for those who don’t want to take on the responsibilities of ownership.

Who is paying for this project?

Connexus has engaged a private investor to finance the project and take advantage of federal tax benefits. The cost of the solar garden does not impact our current rates or members who don't participate in the SolarWise project.
The cost of the project, as well as maintenance and insurance until the year 2034, is covered in the price of

the program.

Is this project being subsidized by members of Connexus Energy who are not interested in the solar garden?

No. This project is not subsidized by the entire membership. The costs associated with the solar garden are paid for by those who enroll. In fact, our solar garden eliminates the cost-shifting for non-solar members, which is typically not the case for residential rooftop solar applications.

How much does it cost?

You choose which option you'd like for offsetting all or half of your homes electric usage with the solar energy produced by the solar garden.
Whole House - $10.00/month
Half House - $5.00/month

Annual Membership Whole House - $120/annual

Monthly fees are added directly to your electric bill. Whole and half house fees are based on an average residential home’s usage of 850 kWh. Homes with a higher monthly usage can combine or increase their participation at the whole or half house increments.

Do I need to own a home to participate?

No. One of the unique benefits of a solar garden is that the panels are located at Connexus Energy and not directly on your property. So, no matter where you live in our service area, your solar purchase can move with you.

What happens if I move?

Moving is made simple depending on your situation.

If you are leaving our service area, your participation will simply cancel when your electric service is canceled. Annual membership fees will be credited back based on remaining calendar months and applied to your final bill.

If you are simply moving to another home within our service territory, your participation will transfer with you.

How long do I have to participate?

You can cancel your participation at any time, without penalty. There are no long-term contracts.

Is there a way to see how much energy the solar garden is producing each month?

A web portal is available to all subscribers to illustrate the system output. Simply visit connexusenergy.com to access the portal.

How much will I save on my bill?

Energy savings are not credited directly to your monthly bill. Rather, participating in the SolarWise option ensures your homes energy usage is offset from a green energy source, without having to make a long-term investment.

Who is eligible to participate?

All residential members of Connexus Energy are able to participate in the program.

Am I eligible for the 30% federal investment tax credit?

No, the federal tax credit is already incorporated into the pricing structure.

What happens if a panel breaks or needs maintenance?

All maintenance, repair, and insurance costs are included in the purchase price. If something breaks, Connexus will fix it.

If I already have a solar contract, can I also be a club member?

Yes. This plan is administered separately. If you’ve already purchased a panel, your contract will remain in place, along with your monthly credit.

Why it costs more.

SolarWise Community Solar Garden

A cost-effective solar option you can own. SolarWise is a community-based solar garden designed to make it easier and more affordable for our members to support an alternative, environmentally-friendly energy option.

Learn more by watching our video. >