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Cedar Creek Energy

Alex Gast Elected to MnSEIA Board of Directors

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Alex Gast Elected to MnSEIA Board of Directors
Alex Gast, Vice President and Director of Operations

Cedar Creek Energy is thrilled to announce our very own Alex Gast, Vice President and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Energy, has been elected to the board of directors of the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA). As a leader at Cedar Creek Energy, Alex aims his sights on the strong future of energy and sustainability. He prioritizes creating cost-effective and tangible solutions for every commercial and residential solar client. It is Alex’s passion, innovative thinking, attention to detail and awareness of the big picture that makes him a strong contributor as a board member for Minnesota’s most respected solar energy group.

“We are very pleased and proud to have Alex serve on the board of directors of MnSEIA. I know his many years of experience in the solar industry, and his focus on providing creative solar solutions to his clients, along with his strong analytic capabilities, will make him a valued member of the board,” said Rob Appelhof, President and CEO of Cedar Creek Energy.

What is MnSEIA?

MnSEIA acts as the voice of the MN Solar and storage industry. It is the most respected and well-equipped group in the state, with more than 120 experts in backgrounds ranging from solar thermal energy to solar storage to photovoltaic. MnSEIA’S mission is to grow solar energy industries as part of Minnesota’s clean energy transition by delivering strong public policy, education, job creation and sustainable industry development. MnSEIA enacts this mission through legislative and policy action centered on sustainable options led by a collaborative group of strong leaders.

As the energy industry in Minnesota trends towards renewable resources, MnSEIA will continue to be a key player. MnSEIA advocates for clean energy on a broad scale through advocating for solar policies and regulations, from turning schools solar to enhancing the options for energy storage. These highly effective and inventive policy efforts target broad sectors to enact change on a large scope. In addition to growing a greener state, these efforts will also create more jobs and economic growth for Minnesotans.

Cedar Creek Energy sends congratulations to Alex, whose vision and drive towards a cleaner energy industry will make him an invaluable leader on the MnSEIA board. Cedar Creek Energy is proud of our leaders, the best in the business, whose expertise will take Minnesota’s efforts in renewable energy to new heights.

Contact us today to learn more about our team and what we can do for your home or business.

Prepare for Rising Energy Prices with Solar

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Xcel Energy, MN Power, and Natural Gas Rates Increasing

Brace yourself, Minnesota—it’s time to prepare for rising energy prices. According to reports from Minnesota Public Radio, over the next three years Xcel plans to raise energy prices to transition towards more renewable options. This transition, which is expected to begin on January 1, 2022, will add approximately $18 to $20 more per month to your electricity bill.

Minnesotans will likely be heavily impacted by this increase because, as we all know too well, the winter season brings expensive heating bills, which are expected to “skyrocket” this winter due to rising gas prices. According to Xcel, the average person will pay $165 more this winter due to a predicted 49% increase in natural gas prices.

Xcel energy isn’t the only one though. According to the StarTribune, MN Power, based in Duluth, MN, is increasing rates by nearly 18%, adding significantly  to your monthly electric  bill. Utility company CenterPoint Energy is asking state regulators at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), to increase natural gas rates by 6.05%, also increasing customer’s monthly bill. With inflation climbing, energy rates are extremely vulnerable.

Solar Panels Can Help You Save

This is where Cedar Creek Energy comes to the rescue to save you from your daunting energy bill. With Cedar Creek Energy’s solar options you will save money, guaranteed. It is no mystery that solar panels can help reduce your electricity bill substantially and even give you money back. In certain areas in Minneapolis, the estimated savings per year is $6,000 which gives you back nearly $100 per month! In fact, the snowy winter days could even give you a boost, as the reflection of snow generates even more energy for your household. Additionally, you will receive a federal Solar Investment Tax Credit  when you install solar panels before 2023.

Not only will you save money, but you will also greatly reduce your carbon footprint. Solar panels and other renewable energy sources are a proven and consistent trend towards a greener and more cost effective source of energy. With energy rate increases showing no sign of slowing down, consider installing solar panels, to save in the long run.

Cedar Creek Energy is your local and environmentally conscious energy expert that prioritizes its clients, their needs, and sustainable energy options for the future. Connect with us today and get ahead of the game.

 

 

 

Solar for Small-Scale Minnesota Farmers: Worth It?

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Deciding to go solar requires a lot of thought, and farmers know it best: powering an agricultural business takes a lot of energy. However, at a time when our population growth and the progression of the agriculture industry are increasing demand for products, and climate change is challenging the lives of farmers everywhere, solar is a safe and profitable solution that could save the environment and your wallet. Solar for small-scale Minnesota farmers is an investment that has a range of benefits that are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and helpful to the environment.

Cost-Efficient and Profitable

Investing in solar panel systems for your agriculture business is a great way to save money in the long run. With many state and federal solar programs and grants, you’ll likely have little to no upfront costs when it comes to installing your agriculture solar system. Without start-up costs, you could begin saving money on electricity as soon as your system is installed. Any necessary costs will, in many cases, still be lower than what you were paying for your monthly electric bill. To put that into perspective, a payment toward your solar panels will be substantially lower than your already budgeted bills, saving you money in the long run and possibly right away. In some cases, small-scale Minnesota farmers can sell excess electricity back to their electric company, making a profit each month.

Make a Positive Environmental Impact

Relying on grid power to keep your farm running may be contributing to climate changes, including fossil fuel usage and dangerous emissions that harm our atmosphere. Choosing to install solar panels for your farm instead of using grid-tied energy helps slow those negative effects of climate change. At a time when we need immediate action to delay climate change before the effects become irreversible, solar is a solution that should not be overlooked, even for the smallest of farms.

Help Your Crops Thrive

Small-scale Minnesota farmers know just how unpredictable each season is. A month of erratic weather can erase the profit for the season. Luckily, solar can help stabilize each season. Farmers, and a variety of other businesses, are using solar to grow plants and crops. By growing crops under solar panels for farms, you can help your crops survive drought-like conditions, especially in the heat of the summer. Solar panels can also help regulate the soil temperature by absorbing the sunlight before it reaches the ground. Regulation is incredibly helpful for farmers who are looking to extend their growing seasons for cool weather plants. Not only could this increase profit each season, but solar panels provide a safety net in uncertain times.

Let Your Livestock Graze

Many farmers who install ground-mounted solar panels continue to let their livestock graze the land where the system is installed. Free-range poultry and sheep are among the livestock commonly used as vegetation control at many solar facilities. Since these animals are smaller, they don’t pose a threat to the solar systems since the height of the modules provides plenty of room for the livestock to graze underneath without affecting the panels.

We do not recommend allowing larger livestock, like cattle, to graze near the solar system due to the potential damage to the panels. Installing a security fence is an easy solution that still allows the livestock to graze without affecting the modules.

Available for Any Farm, Anywhere

You may be wondering if your farm can be powered by solar energy. Whether it’s your irrigation systems or electric fences for livestock, we assure you, solar energy can power it all. You can even choose to power your home with solar energy.

Our team at Cedar Creek Energy is happy to provide a free energy bid and answer any questions you may have before you choose to make the switch. So contact our team today to begin your solar journey.

Solar Energy for Schools Gives Students a Brighter Future 

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Now that students are back in the classroom, we’re looking at the benefits of powering schools with solar energy.

Why Solar Energy for Schools and Universities?

School is where the next generation prepares for their turn to lead. They gain the knowledge to make their positive mark on the world through studies like science, art, math, and more. One primary focus in schools today is how younger generations can slow and even reverse climate change. So, it’s fitting that many schools are interested in installing solar panels to lead by example. Solar power is one of the most accessible, sustainable, and effective renewable energy options on the marketplace today, so it only makes sense to teach the benefits of renewable energy to younger generations.

Balancing Budgets

Besides the fact that taking the initiative of powering your school with solar makes a positive impact on the environment and the minds of students, it’s also a great way to save and make money. Solar can also make energy usage more affordable for your school. Thanks to tax breaks and rebates, a solar installation is affordable upfront and has an impressive ROI. Your organization will see monthly energy savings right away. This was the case for the local nonprofit learning center, A Chance to Grow. This nonprofit chose to make the switch to solar, and in turn, will save the organization over $200,000.

With the help of a Minnesota solar company like Cedar Creek Energy, we will work with school administrators to find the best financial options to fund the solar energy system. Sourcing local Minnesota solar energy companies means getting the necessary expertise to source all of the rebates and tax incentives specific to your location, meaning you could free up even more money in the budget.

Reputation Matters for Schools and Universities

In addition to the financial and sustainable factors of powering your school with solar, it also creates a positive atmosphere for your school. Building and marketing your reputation is an important task that can bring new students through your doors. So it makes sense that if a student can choose to attend a school whose focus is on renewable energy instead of grid power, they are more likely to apply to that school. In addition, a school campus with solar panels installed shows it is willing to lead the future of renewable energy, a quality with which many students will identify.

Any Level of Educational Institution Can Benefit From Solar

Any level of educational institution can benefit from a solar panel installation. Daycares, preschools, after-school programs, you name it. Regardless of the level of institution, the savings are the same. Our solar energy system installers for schools will work with our project managers and engineers to custom design a comprehensive solar energy system that meets the needs of your school, big or small.

At Cedar Creek Energy, our solar installation team has worked on numerous solar projects for compact buildings and campuses, plus we’ve installed solar panels for the Universities of St. Thomas and University of Minnesota, Morris campuses. Whatever the size of your campus and its amount of energy usage, a solar power installation from our team at Cedar Creek Energy can successfully meet your energy needs and start saving your school money. Meanwhile, your school can proudly display your newly installed solar panels to highlight your commitment to a brighter future.

Contact us today to learn how we can help your school reach sustainable solar power!

How Does Solar Storage Work?

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Have you ever heard the phrase “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket?” Well, the same idea applies to energy. For folks whose energy comes from a utility-scale facility, aka “the grid,” they risk losing power during outages. Reliance on the grid equals vulnerability. Even folks who have solar systems installed still risk power outages because their systems are grid-dependent. The only way to achieve true energy independence is to invest in an energy storage system. But how does solar storage work?

Solar storage allows you to save excess solar energy generated during the day in order to run your home or business at night or, worst case scenario, when the grid is down. Whether you choose to install an Enphase storage system or a Tesla powerwall, at Cedar Creek Energy you’ll receive peace of mind knowing you’ve got reliability.

Residential Energy Storage

Residential energy storage, also known as battery packs, has a multitude of benefits and purposes. It’s more than just emergency back-ups. Most folks choosing to invest in their own storage system usually do so because they’re tired of paying high electric utility bills. Although investing in a solar system without storage still means lower electric bills, investing in a storage system for your solar panels means close to zero electric bills. Another reason folks choose to install their own storage system is because of the lack of reliability provided from the grid. Being off the grid provides a sense of stability knowing you’re covered even in the case of a power outage. The third reason we see folks choosing to invest in storage is because it offers the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emission and make a positive impact on the environment.

Although investing in solar is a great first step, going the extra mile to achieve energy independence is the logical next step. And that means installing energy storage.

Commercial Energy Storage

It makes sense to invest in a residential energy storage system to power your home at night, but why should companies invest in energy storage? Most companies are paralyzed if the power goes out. No lights, no internet, no business. Investing in an energy storage solution will not only save you money, but it will provide peace of mind. Again, the first step toward energy independence is installing a commercial solar system. But, in order to reach full independence from the grid, companies should consider battery storage.

Energy Storage with Cedar Creek Energy

At Cedar Creek Energy, we are certified energy storage installers. We are partnered with Enphase and Tesla to offer our clients a range of the best options in solar energy storage.

Enphase Energy Storage

Enphase offers innovative technology so you’ll literally never have to worry about a power outage again. Solar systems typically connect all their panels to a single inverter. Enphase pioneered a revolutionary new technology that places a microinverter under each panel, so if one fails, the whole system won’t go down. That same innovative micro inverter technology is used in their storage systems.

Enphase offers a range of benefits including:

  • Low voltage, keeping you safer.
  • Smart power—the system is smart enough to update itself automatically using the internet.
  • Easy control through one single app.
  • UL test.
  • Ten-year warranty.
  • Grid failure coverage thanks to their micro inverter technology.

Tesla Energy Storage

As certified Tesla Powerwall installers, we offer a customized solar-plus-battery solution that provides free access to the power of the sun and reduces fossil fuel reliance. Powerwall stores solar energy generated during the day for use at any time. During the day, when the sun is shining, you’re charging your battery. The unit is mounted seamlessly on a wall or the ground, indoors or outdoors and is connected to the grid to export the excess energy.

Tesla powerwall benefits include:

  • Self-powered.
  • Time-based control—Powerwall can charge during low-rate periods when demand for electricity is lower, and can discharge during more expensive-rate periods when electricity is in higher demand.
  • Back-up power, even in the event of a grid outage.

Whether you choose to invest in Enphase or Tesla, you’ll be covered. Contact our team at Cedar Creek Energy for your free energy bid, and to learn how adding solar storage to your system can benefit your home or business.

 

What You Need to Know to Go Solar in Minnesota

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In our great state of Minnesota, solar is a fantastic option for energy savings and carbon reduction. But, making the switch to solar is a big decision. And the need-to-know’s tend to vary from state to state. Thankfully, your local Cedar Creek Energy company is an expert in everything you need to know to go solar in Minnesota.

The Importance of a Local Contractor

First things first. It’s crucial to source a local installer when installing solar for your home or business, regardless of which state you reside in. For those in the Midwest, local Minnesota solar power installers will have all the necessary background information on the rebates and utilities specific to your neighborhood, which will save you more in the long run. For example, in Minnesota alone there are 235 different utilities that make up the utility grid. An out-of-state contractor won’t be familiar with each of these utilities and likely won’t be able to offer the bonuses and rebates that follow them. Local solar installers, like our team at Cedar Creek Energy, know which utilities offer what benefits, plus we’ll even complete all the paperwork and submit it for you. Another benefit of choosing a local solar power installer? Trust. This core value of trust often leads to referrals from families and friends. The same local level of trust won’t correlate to a non-referral out-of-state company. Plus we’re Minnesotans, so you know our interactions will be honest, pleasant and friendly.

Minnesota Winters, Solar Panels and Efficiency

One of the most common questions we receive by folks considering going solar is, “Does solar even work in the winter with all the snow?” Great question. Yes, yes it does.

Minnesota’s winter months take up a majority of the year, but thankfully solar works great in the winter weather. Although there are fewer hours of sun in the winter, the sun’s effect is often amplified on sunny days because the reflection of the snow generates more sunlight. As a solar panel owner in Minnesota, it is important to be aware of snow or ice build-up, which tends to be the biggest concern during winter months. Solar panels are strong enough to withhold the extra weight of snow or ice, and are waterproof. In most cases the snow or ice will just melt off, causing no issues; however, if you’re worried about a collective buildup, snow removal is an option for Cedar Creek Energy customers with our Operating and Maintenance Agreement. 

In terms of weather, Minnesota is the perfect state to invest in solar power energy. The summer months provide a buildup of energy and the winter months produce a steady stream of electricity.

A Solar-Friendly State

Minnesota is known for being a solar-friendly state and it continues to develop solar-friendly incentives, policies, and programs, from the state level to local cities. On the federal level, legislation was recently extended, offering the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit until 2023, providing a massive incentive for folks wanting to begin the switch to solar. On the state level, there are a plethora of programs for solar owners. The largest utility company in Minnesota is Xcel Energy, which offers solar programs for homes and businesses. As for local cities, many have energy incentives for their neighborhoods. A local solar installer will help you maximize every incentive available to you.

Minneapolis is a prime example of Minnesota being a solar-friendly state. Businesses in the area help commercial buildings go green. The funding is available through the Green Business Cost Share Program, and provides an incentive of $0.25 per estimated annual kWh production for the 1st year of production, up to $75,000. Depending on your neighborhood, there could be even more money-saving options for your wallet.

The Takeaway

Regardless of your neighborhood, business, project size, or weather worries, solar power systems are a great way to cut costs, conserve energy and reduce your carbon footprint, all in Minnesota! If you’re looking for a trustworthy Minnesota solar energy company, contact our team at Cedar Creek Energy today for your free energy bid. We look forward to working with you.

Cedar Creek Energy

Cedar Creek Energy is a Minnesota solar energy company that designs, installs, and maintains sun-powered solar systems that give commercial and residential property owners optimal payback, energy security, and clean energy.

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