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Commercial and Residential Solar

10361 Jamestown St NE, Blaine, MN 55449
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Cedar Creek Energy

The New Trend: Smart Homes

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New home builders are always interested in saving money, and with many millennials in the market for a new-construction home that’s sustainable, smart homes have become the new trend. Sustainability and affordability make smart homes the logical choice for new homeowners, plus our 25-year warranty on our solar panels and inverters mean a safe investment, too.

Eco-Friendly & Budget-Friendly: The Benefits of Smart Homes

Sustainable and affordable are the main draws of smart homes, but there are so many more perks to investing in renewable energy.

First, to create an energy-efficient home, eco-builders must analyze numerous factors:

  • Utilizing solar energy to save on electricity
  • The roof placement of solar panels when deciding where to build the house (with the roof unshaded for maximum solar efficiency)
  • The best insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs
  • Smart home technology that can monitor indoor temperatures and electricity usage
  • Materials that will allow for airtight construction of the home
  • Energy-efficient lighting (LEDs), which lasts longer and uses less energy

The combination of our residential solar energy systems including roof mounted solar arrays, with LED lighting and superior insulation (very important during our crazy Minnesota winters!) means huge savings for your energy-efficient home. Solar energy saves many of our homeowners over 90% off their electric bill annually. Plus our financing resources and rebates make it an affordable investment to make. These savings lead to a quick return on investment—an average of less than 7 years for our residential customers.

Besides being good for your pockets, high-efficiency homes are good for the planet. Take The Wheelers, for example. Besides saving thousands on their monthly electricity bills, they made an investment that not only paid off but that they can be proud of. Each year, their high-efficiency home saves 25,062 pounds in Co2 emissions—that’s 295 trees grown for ten years!

Consider investing in a smart home and reducing your carbon footprint…and the dent in your wallet!

Achieve Energy Independence with Battery Storage for your Smart Home

If you’re looking for even more ways to make the jump to solar for your smart home, consider investing in a Tesla Powerwall and take the next step to achieving energy independence with your smart home.

With the Tesla Powerwall, you can store solar energy for use any time. During the day, the sun shines on your solar panels, charging your battery, giving you peace of mind that—at a moment’s notice—your system will continue to provide power in the event of an outage. And during the Minnesota winters, when your production is lower than other months, you’ll know you have reliable energy storage.

At Cedar Creek Energy, we are also certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Installers. To top off your high-efficiency home, add an EV charging station and cut down on your carbon footprint even more. Simply plug in your vehicle to the charging station when it’s not running, and by using the solar energy produced by your home, you’ll charge your car and cut down on gas expenses.

EcoRidge Development

Our first collaborative effort to create a future of energy-efficient living is with our partners at GreenHalo Builds, where we are working together to build the highly-efficient EcoRidge, the Twin Cities’ first healthy-living ecovillage!

Located in Stillwater, Minnesota, EcoRidge includes 14 homesites surrounded by mature trees with rain gardens, restorative landscaping and a multitude of energy-efficient benefits. Each home is designed to produce the least possible negative impact on the environment, which is why we offer shared solar savings for the entire community including our roof-mounted solar arrays.

Each EcoRidge home solar options include:

  • 5.04 kW system
  • 16 panels—Jinko 315 watt
  • First-year production: 5,796 kWh
  • First-year savings: $725
  • Lifetime savings: $18,000+
  • Tax credits and rebates year one: $4,300
  • Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Rebates years 2 through 10: $400/year
  • Your system will pay for itself in less than 7 years

Construction of the homes starts in early 2021, so if you want a quality, green home and the savings that come from getting off the grid, then consider EcoRidge today!

CASE STUDY: GreenHalo Builds High-Efficiency Home

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Type of Project

CCE Team

Client

  • GreenHalo Builds Homes- EcoRidge Development

Project Inspiration

We’ve teamed up with GreenHalo Builds to bring client’s the high-efficiency home of their dreams. This partnership ensures both GreenHalo Builds and our team at Cedar Creek Energy can provide top-notch service and highly efficient systems to newly built homes throughout the state. The first development is called EcoRidge in Stillwater, MN.

Approach

As with all our customers, we meet them where they are. For the folks at GreenHalo Builds, they have made a significant commitment to build smart, energy-efficient homes. So, solar is a natural choice for them. What makes this project so much fun is that we have come together with their team to make their already great homes even better. The first EcoRidge project includes:

  • 16 Jinko 315-watt panels 
  • 5.04 kW system size

The Final Result

The first system went live in November, 2020  and will produce 5,796 kWh within the first year of production. Clients will save $725 in their first-year, and over a lifetime will save over $18,000.

For this project, clients received:

  • Tax credits and rebates for the first year: $4,300
  • Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Rebates for the second year through the tenth year: $400/year
  • Rate of return on investment in less than 7 years

In addition, each home can also easily add a Tesla battery storage and Tesla Electric Vehicle charging stations to their home.

We are thrilled for our client’s to experience their high-efficiency homes and the savings they’ll receive!

Minnesota’s Plan to Achieve 100% Clean Energy by 2040

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Working Toward a Cleaner Future: Minnesota’s Plan to Achieve 100% Clean Energy by 2040

Breaking down Governor Walz’s new renewable energy plan

The solar industry has some big news! On Thursday, January 21st, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state leaders, released a plan to help Minnesota achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. This is great news for the solar industry! This means we can work hard, knowing we have the support of our state leaders to create a cleaner, greener, future for Minnesota.

For the past many years, Minnesotans have been working hard to reduce their use of fossil fuels and increase their use of cleaner energy sources (like solar), and this new plan builds on that success. According to Governor Walz’s office, the plan has four parts.

Minnesota’a Clean Energy Plan

To reach 100% clean energy in Minnesota by 2040, the plan focuses on:

  • Carbon-Free Resources This would require all electric utilities in Minnesota to use only carbon-free energy resources. This won’t be a quick, easy switch. However, it will be made possible by setting interim goals throughout the transition. This includes helping workers and communities throughout the process, and prioritizing local jobs by prevailing wages for large, new clean energy projects.
  • Prioritizing Clean Energy When a utility proposes replacing or adding new power generation, it must make energy efficiency the main goal over using fossil fuels. The purpose of this policy is to strengthen the preference of renewable energy, specifically in Minnesota law. It would allow for fossil fuel-based power only if needed to ensure reliable, affordable electricity.
  • Energy Optimization This policy is all about raising the state’s energy efficiency resource standard for utilities. This would be done by expanding the Conservation Improvement Program, which helps Minnesota households and businesses save on their utility bills by using energy more efficiently. Plus, the policy would encourage utilities to develop innovative programs to help consumers or businesses switch to more efficient, cleaner energy. An additional goal of the policy is to target more energy-saving assistance for low-income households.
  • Carbon Reduction The last part of the plan highlights creating carbon reduction goals for existing buildings. This would aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2035.

And we aren’t the only ones committed. Our friends at Xcel Energy have committed to generating 100% of their electricity from clean energy by 2050. Minnesota Power have joined in, as well. And over 100 major global companies have made the pledge to meet that goal, including 3M and Target.

“The time to fight climate change is now,” said Gov Walz in a press release announcing the plan. “Not only is clean energy the right and responsible choice for future generations, clean energy maximizes job creation and grows our economy, which is especially important as we work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Interested in finding out more? Contact us today at 763-432-5261!

Case Study: Eich Mazda + VW

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Type of Project

CCE Team

Client

Project Inspiration

The leadership team at Eich Mazda & Eich VW are seeing the auto industry shift toward electric cars, so they decided to join the trend and make the shift to renewable energy and sustainability by adding solar to their two St. Cloud locations. By making this switch, the folks at Eich Mazda and VW are making big strides as leaders of sustainability in the auto industry. Not only are they promoting renewable energy through their electric vehicle products, but they’re using renewable energy to fuel their own work- they’re walking the walk AND talking the talk!

Approach

Cedar Creek Energy created a custom-designed roof-mounted solar array based on the available roof space of Eich Mazda and VW. Our team began by optimizing the incentives of the utility of the solar array versus the electrical consumption of the client.

  • The number of panels Installed:
    • Eich VW- 132 Jinko 400 watt
    • Eich Mazda- 222 Jinko 400 watt
  • System size Solar (kWh/year):
    • Eich VW- 64,550
    • Eich Mazda- 106,900

This project was completed in conjunction with Boser Construction who was the general contractor for the project.

The Final Result

Eich Mazda and VW received a 30% federal tax credit- add that to their Xcel Energy rebate, and their system will be paid off in less than 5 years! Not only did they receive expert financing that cut their cost, but they made an investment they can be proud of.

The first system went live in November 2020, and will save 54,609 lbs in Co2 emissions each year at Eich VW, and 90,437 lbs in Co2 emissions per year at Eich Mazda. They’re doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint and be true leaders of sustainability.

We are so excited to follow their journey in renewable energy!

Benefits of Renewable Energy for Your Business

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Businesses of all shapes and sizes across Minnesota are switching to solar, cutting their monthly electric bills, reducing their carbon footprint, and impressing their customers with their commitment to environmental sustainability. By going solar, you’ll join the thousands of Cedar Creek Energy clients who have benefitted from harnessing the power of the sun.

Benefits of Switching to Solar for Your Business

Does your business have a year-round sunny spot? This could be the key to energy independence and increased cash flow.

Over the past ten years, the return on investment in solar energy has only risen. After grants, state and federal tax incentives, utility bonuses and other rebates, the average commercial solar energy systems cash flow within four to seven years, depending on the project’s size. And, take note, there is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on your solar panels and inverters. Not only is it a smart investment, but a safe one, too.

If you’re still not sold, here are other benefits of going solar for your business:

  • Tax Credits and Rebates – Our solar energy systems include immediate tax advantages like tax credits, accelerated depreciation, bonuses and other incentives tied to performance.
  • Create a Revenue Stream from Electric Company – Besides eliminating your monthly electric bills, you create cash flow by selling excess electricity back to your electric company- that’s money you can reinvest back into your business!
  • Property Value – Commercial solar energy systems increase the value of your property.
  • Build your Brand – Solar panel systems build your brand name and strengthen customer loyalty. Solar is an investment your customers will be proud of.
  • Carbon Footprint – Best of all, you’re doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint and help our planet!

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to your company’s solar array, which is why we will work with you to offer a unique approach to fit your needs.

What We Offer

Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, we offer green energy solutions of all sizes. And whatever size your project is, you’ll end up saving money in the long-run. We focus on delivering a great return on investment and, depending on the size of your system, significantly cutting your monthly electric bills. We offer comprehensive, customized clean energy solutions, from turnkey commercial solar energy systems to the highest level of engineering, procurement, and construction services.

Next Step? Schedule a Free Energy Audit

We offer free energy audits to determine whether your site is a good candidate for a solar array.  We look at whether your business would be better suited by a roof-mount or a ground-mount system and use technologies to determine the exact sizing, placement, and the best solar solution for your business. We will also leverage every state, local and federal incentive programs, including the Solar Investment Tax Credit (currently 26%). In addition, we have relationships with several lenders and will find the best financing deal available for you.

Commercial solar energy uses solar panels and other components to power a commercial property using energy from the sun’s rays. Minnesota commercial solar installers focus on creating cost-effective yet environmentally conscious solar array configurations for businesses and other commercial applications.

An Alternative to Owning Your Solar Array: Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)

With all the benefits of using solar energy to power your business, and none of the infrastructure and capital investment required to buy your own system, Cedar Creek Energy is pleased to offer Power Purchase Agreements. With a PPA, Cedar Creek Energy completes the design, permitting, financing, installation and ongoing maintenance of your system, then sells the electricity you use back to you at lower rates than those you would pay through your electric company.

Contact Cedar Creek Energy for your free energy audit and make the first step to investing in clean energy today!

Solar Investment Tax Credit Extended 2 More Years

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Bringing in the new year brings good news! Effective January 1, 2021, Congress agreed to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The passage of this federal package is excellent news for the solar industry because it extends the 26% Solar Investment Tax Credit for another two years. The Solar Investment Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit for residential and commercial solar energy systems in Minnesota and throughout the U.S. Over the last few months, folks have scrambled to install their solar panels before 2021, as the credit was initially intended to drop to 22%, but with this extension comes new hope for the growth of solar: accelerating the development of renewable energy across the U.S. by giving folks an incentive to switch. 

The extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit means that solar projects of all shapes and sizes – residential, commercial, industrial, utility-scale – will receive a 26% credit if they begin construction in 2021 or 2022. If you qualify for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, you’ll essentially receive a 26% tax credit applied to your year-end taxes. If your solar array costs $200,000, you will receive a $52,000 tax credit. Cedar Creek Energy clients have taken advantage of this opportunity, and with help from our financing experts, saved thousands! 

Take Advantage of the Extended Solar Investment Tax Credit

So, if you’ve been dabbling with the idea of switching to solar, now is the time. The extension of the federal tax credit is part of a phase-out plan: starting in 2023, all markets will drop to a 22% tax credit while the residential market will drop to 0%. Homeowners will essentially be “phased-out” of the tax credit, while businesses will still be able to claim a 10% credit, which is expected to become permanent in 2024. Federal tax credits have had a large impact on the solar industry’s growth as a renewable energy source, and the extension will continue to provide this growth, but only for the next two years. Although there have been past attempts to include an investment credit for energy storage, nothing involving batteries was part of this spending package.

Our commitment to serving our Cedar Creek Energy clients means finding the best solar solutions for their needs. This means working with our team to find the financing and rebate resources that fit your project. The combination of hard work by our experts, with the extension of the Solar Investment Tax Credit, means a lot of money saved for our clients. Take The Wheelers, for example- they’re just one of the many residential homeowners who qualified for the federal tax credit on their residential solar project. The total cost of their project for their 15.2 Kw system went from $50,000 to $35,000. Not only did they receive a $15,000 tax credit, but they reduced their electric bill by 87%! They went from paying $3,000/year in electric bills to $300/year. Plus, they even made money by selling back excess energy. They made a switch they can feel good about, and so could you. Check out our other case studies to learn more about how our Cedar Creek Energy clients have put more in their pockets while reducing their carbon footprint. 

Contact Cedar Creek Energy About the Solar Investment Tax Credit

So, if you’ve been looking for a sign to switch to solar, this is it. Get rolling on your investment so you can save big with the Solar Investment Tax Credit before it drops- there is no better time than now to go solar! And if you’re not sure if you qualify- contact us for your free energy assessment to learn more about how you could benefit from solar.