Solar Energy Uses, Information, and Updates

Name: Cedar Creek Energy
Address: 1285 114th Ave NW,, Coon Rapids, MN, 55448, US
Telephone: (763) 432-5261
Price range: Affordable

Solar Energy, Extreme Weather and Minnesota’s Climate

August 4, 2021 By Cedar Creek Energy

Summer days bring warm weather and endless sun—the perfect combination for solar energy. For those of us who live in the midwest, we don’t have the pleasure of year-round summer weather. So, you may be wondering how our range of seasons affect your solar panels. Here’s a look at solar energy, extreme weather and Minnesota’s climate.

Summer Conditions

Summers in Minnesota are beautiful, warm and sunny—especially this year. They provide the perfect conditions for solar panels. But, summer can bring frequent rain and the occasional tornado. If you’re worried your solar panels are going to fly off with Dorothy to Oz, no need to fret. Most solar panels are certified to withstand up to 140 mph winds, and the majority of tornado speeds range between 40-112 mph. Thankfully, your solar panels won’t be traveling down the yellow brick road anytime soon. As for heavy rain, solar panels are waterproof and are not affected by excessive rain besides the fact that the lack of sun during rainstorms means less production.

Another concern to solar panels that comes with Minnesota’s summer weather is hail. Thankfully, most solar panels are built to withstand up to an inch in diameter of hail falling at 50 mph. To put that into perspective, the average hail is between ¼ to ½ of an inch thick and falls around 20 mph. So, hail damage to your solar panels should be of no concern. Your car, however, might want to stay in the garage. Overall, the summer months provide great resources for solar panels to produce loads of electricity that saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint.

Winter Conditions

Of more concern to solar panel owners is likely Minnesota’s winter months, which take up a majority of the year. Minnesota’s winter weather can put a stop to most things: school days, your daily drive to work, ordering take out. The list is neverending. But, solar panels? Nope. Solar works in the winter, and although there are fewer hours of sun in the winter, the sun’s effect is actually amplified on sunny days because the reflection of the snow generates even more sunlight.

Perhaps a larger concern is snow or ice buildup on top of solar panels. As Minnesotans, we prepare well in advance for blizzards, and fortunately, so have your solar panel installers. Panels are strong enough to withhold extra weight and are built to be waterproof. In most cases, the snow and ice will melt off panels and cause no issues. Snow removal is also an option with our Operating and Maintenance Agreement.

All in all, Minnesota is the perfect state to invest in solar energy. The summer months provide a nice buildup of energy, and the winter months produce a steady stream of electricity, thanks to the sunlight’s reflection off the snow. And without hurricanes or wildfires to worry about, solar panels are well-prepped against the extremes of nature in our climate. So, rest assured and consider solar today! Contact us for your free solar bid.

Switching to Solar: Where to Begin and How it Works

July 16, 2021 By Cedar Creek Energy

Your Cedar Creek Energy go-to guide on going solar

Switching to solar is an exciting decision, but if you’re not sure where to start or how the process works, it can seem a bit overwhelming. Thankfully, Cedar Creek Energy is here to help. This is your go-to guide on going solar.

The very first step before you can dive into the world of renewable energy involves research.

Spend time researching solar installers—choosing which company to complete your solar installation takes time and consideration. Don’t go with the first company to pop up on your Google feed. Put in the extra effort to thoroughly research your installers, and read our blog on Choosing the Right Solar Company for more tips. You want to pay close attention to whether the company is local because they will offer an elevated level of service and will know how to maximize local rebates available to you. Make sure you pay attention to reviews and how long the local company has been in business.
Learn how switching to solar works—knowing the ins and outs of the solar installation process is not necessary before making the switch. However, having some general knowledge will help you understand how solar will impact your home or business.
Dig into the finances —Before jumping in, you’ll want to have a general idea of the finances that come with solar. Solar has great rebates and a quick ROI and there are amazing financing options available this year. Ask your solar installer about how financing works for solar projects to get a clear picture of your investment and keep in mind that a local solar installer will have insights and connections to your best rebate and financing options.

Now that we’ve covered a few beginning steps to consider when switching to solar, let’s dive into what it looks like to work with Cedar Creek Energy. Our team of talented professionals will work with you every step of the way, providing resources, transparency and answers to any questions you have. Whether we’re working on a residential or commercial project, this is how we will work with you:

Step 1: Conversations and Consultations

Before we begin climbing on your roof and laying panels, we do our research, just like you’ve done yours. We conduct a site survey, evaluate existing technology and identify any system problems and areas for improvement. At this time, we’ll sit down with you to gain a clear understanding of what you are hoping to gain from switching to solar, the type of system you had in mind, financial needs that must be met, and anything else that is relevant to your ideal project. We’ll also help you understand the different factors to take into consideration with the brand and type of solar models you ultimately choose which includes the size, output and aesthetic.

Step 2: Your Free Solar Audit

Similar to our consultation, we’ll document existing equipment, review your bills, and identify energy saving opportunities. Plus, we’ll provide a detailed diagram of what your solar system would look like using a computer-aided design program to electronically position the solar array on your roof or as a ground mount. Essentially, you’ll get to see what your solar array will look like with your home or business. Pretty cool, huh?

Step 3: Designs

Our engineers are constantly identifying appropriate technologies for our customers’ arrays, developing new equipment, energy storage and battery backup options, and retrofitting for lighting. And that is exactly what they’ll do for your solar array. In addition to creating the design, we’ll calculate your projected energy savings, research tax advantages, and pursue rebate and grant opportunities from local, state and federal levels. We want to find you the maximum savings possible! We’ve also assisted clients who qualify for grant funding to complete their grant applications, and we can do this for you, too.

Step 4: Time to Build

Here is where the magic happens. We specify equipment, install the new technology, design and program system controls and monitors, pull permits and overall manage the project from the consultation to completion.

Step 5: Monitor

As an added value to our customers, we test and optimize their system’s functionality and monitor monthly usage. In fact, we set you up with a production and consumption monitor so you can watch your monthly energy savings skyrocket!

Step 6: Operate and Maintain

Life gets busy, and you probably don’t have the added time to monitor your system. That’s why we’re here. Step six is not the last of our steps, but a continuous operation. We provide service support agreements to protect your array and make sure you’re maximizing your rate of return. This involves constantly monitoring your system, and oftentimes finding and fixing small problems you didn’t realize were there.

Working with Cedar Creek Energy means working with transparency, respect and care, because that’s just the way our company rolls. Not just one of us. But all of our team. So, if you’re considering switching to solar, we’re here to help. Don’t let the process of solar deter you from a lifetime of savings. Contact us today with all your solar questions.

How to Finance Your Commercial Solar System

June 23, 2021 By Cedar Creek Energy

How to Finance with Cedar Creek Energy: Part 2 of 2

At Cedar Creek Energy, we’re here to help our clients receive the maximum return on interest, financing rebates and tax advantages available, so your system can break even as quickly as possible. Let us help finance your commercial solar system, so you can focus on doing what your business does best.

Green Lenders

We’ll take a look at what you’re trying to accomplish and where you hope to be 5, 10, and 25 years down the road and then we connect with one of the green energy lenders. We have long-standing, trustworthy relationships with a wide variety of these forward-looking lenders in Minnesota and throughout the nation. On top of our great financing options, we also have access to the numerous tax credits and discounts offered, and we’re happy to help you receive them.

Tax Credits, Rebates and Discounts…Oh My!

The tax incentives, available rebates and discounts offered to commercial solar installations are a great way for businesses to break even on their solar system as quickly as possible. From federal tax credits to lesser-known grants, we’re here to help you uncover all your financing options to give you the maximum payback possible.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit— This is one of the largest incentives for businesses to go solar. It’s a federal income tax credit for Minnesota businesses with solar energy systems. When you install a solar array, you’ll receive a 26% tax credit on the total purchase price. So, if your solar investment was $50,000, you will receive a $13,000 one-time tax credit that will be deducted from any federal tax you owe at the end of the year the solar installation was completed. This is a steal of a deal!

Unfortunately the credit will drop to 22% in 2023, and will be phased on by the end of 2024 (unless it’s re-extended by Congress), so now is the time to act!

Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program—If you’re considering switching your business to solar, this is a program you’ll definitely want to get on board with. This program is offered for solar installations for systems sizes that are 40 kW or less. If your commercial solar installation meets the system sizes, this program is a great way for your business to make profit. You’ll be paid .07 cents/kWh for every kilowatt-hour produced from your system for ten years. Picture this- instead of receiving a monthly electric bill from Xcel, you’ll receive a check. Pretty cool, huh?

PACE Program—This is a great way for commercial property owners to finance their solar systems. In the Twin Cities, and throughout Minnesota, PACE allows property owners to access competitive private financing through partnerships with local governments and the St. Paul Port Authority. With PACE, you’ll have the opportunity to finance up to 20% of the “current assessed value of a parcel.”. This means that if your building and the property are assessed at one million dollars, you would qualify for $200,000 of PACE financing for your commercial solar system.

City of Minneapolis: Green Business Solar Projects—If your business is located in Minneapolis, this program is just for you. The Green Business Cost Share Program will provide funding and an incentive of .25 cents per estimated annual kWh production for the 1st year of production, up to $75,000.

Lenders—Our positive reputation has led us to develop long-standing, trustworthy relationships with a wide variety of green energy lenders throughout Minnesota. We’ll take a look at what you’re trying to accomplish, when you’re hoping to pay back and when your ROI starts, and then we’ll connect you with one of our lenders. Just another bonus of working with Cedar Creek Energy!

Other Programs—Are there any other commercial solar energy system financing programs available for your business? We’ll tell you. We stay up to date on every level of financing programs; city, county, state and federal. Even if the programs aren’t advertised, it’s our specialty to find you the maximum options available.

Power Purchase Agreements—Businesses in any industry can convert to solar power without tying up funds in capital investment and having any maintenance costs, all while cutting their electric costs and reducing their carbon footprint. This can be done with a Power Purchase Agreement. With a PPA, we’ll do the design, permitting, financing, installation and on-going maintenance for the solar energy system on your property under a contract of 15 to 20 years. We then sell the electricity you use to you at rates that are lower (never higher) than those available through your local utility. At the end of the contract you may either renew it or cancel it, in which case, we’ll remove the installation.

Work with us! We devote our time to ensuring every commercial client receives the best financing and maximum rebates and incentives available on the market. At Cedar Creek Energy, we stay current on all federal, state and utility incentive program opportunities, and have a number of “green lenders” we can refer you to. Contact us today to learn how we can help you finance your commercial solar system.

How to Finance Your Residential Solar System

June 17, 2021 By Cedar Creek Energy

How to Finance with Cedar Creek Energy: Part 1 of 2

Handling the financing of a major project like a solar installation can be overwhelming, to say the least. Thankfully, at CCE, we help finance your residential solar system, so you don’t have to worry.

We help our clients receive the maximum return on interest, financing rebates and tax advantages available, so your system can break even as quickly as possible.

Residential Financing Opportunities

At Cedar Creek Energy, we want to help you achieve the solar energy home of your dreams. That’s why we offer financing options to make your dream attainable:

0% down
No interest and no payments for a full year
Loans up to $100,000
3.99% for 15, 20 or 25-year terms
Loan recalculated three times during the loan term to further lower payments

Switching to solar should be affordable and attainable. We can help make it that way! On top of our great financing options, we also have access to the numerous tax credits and discounts offered, and we’re happy to help you receive them.

Tax Incentives, Rebates, and Discounts…Oh My!

The tax incentives, available rebates and discounts offered to solar home owners are a great way to help finance your solar system. From federal tax credits to lesser-known grants, we’re here to help you uncover all your financing options to give you the maximum payback possible.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit— This is one of the largest and more popular incentives for homeowners to switch to solar. It’s a federal income tax credit for Minnesotans with solar energy systems. When you install a solar array, you’ll receive a 26% tax credit on the total purchase price. So, if your solar investment was $50,000, you will receive a $13,000 one-time tax credit that will be deducted from any federal tax you owe at the end of the year the solar installation was completed. This is a steal of a deal and fills quickly!

Unfortunately the credit will drop to 22% in 2023, and will be phased on by the end of 2024 (unless it’s re-extended by Congress), so now is the time to act!

Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program—If you’re going solar, this is a program you’ll definitely want to get on board with. This program is offered for residential solar installations for systems sizes that are 40 kW or less. If you’re an Xcel customer, this is a big deal! You’ll be paid .07 cents/kWh for every kilowatt-hour produced from your system for ten years. Picture this- instead of receiving a monthly electric bill from Xcel, you’ll receive a check. Pretty cool, huh?

Minnesota Power’s Solar Sense Program—This rebate program is specifically for residential solar installations up to 40 kW. With this rebate, you’ll receive an upfront rebate based on the production estimate of your solar PV installation. The payout is based on .94 cents/kW and is capped at $4,000.

Utility Programs—At Cedar Creek Energy, we’re known for helping our customers receive the maximum financing options available, and we’re proud of our knowledge of the over 200 different utilities that make up Minnesota’s utility grid. With us, you’ll have access to the resources that provide the best bonuses and rebates to fit your finances. Plus, we’ll happily complete all the paperwork and submit it for you to ensure the optimal savings.

Lesser-Known Grants—We’re in the business of saving our customers money, so we know where to find the grants and funding for projects of all shapes and sizes. Grant-awarding agencies will often have grants specific to your type of project, or available to specific counties and cities, but not advertised. We pride ourselves in our ability to uncover grants and make connections.

Work with us! We devote our time to ensuring every residential client receives the best financing and maximum rebates and incentives available on the market. At Cedar Creek Energy, we stay current on all federal, state and utility incentive program opportunities, and have a number of “green lenders” we can refer you to. Contact us today to learn how we can help you finance your residential solar system.

Commercial Solar Energy FAQ

May 27, 2021 By Cedar Creek Energy

The incentives for switching your Minnesota business to commercial solar energy are endless. From receiving a great return on investment, to developing customer loyalty through your commitment to environment sustainability, the benefits help your wallet and the planet. Leading organizations around the world have discovered that solar is a powerful way to reduce operational costs. But we know you have questions about the impact on your business, so we’ve compiled our commercial solar energy FAQ to help.

Commercial solar installations reach further than Minnesota business. At Cedar Creek Energy, we cover local governments, schools, farms and other organizations looking to make the switch from grid power to solar power.

If you’re considering commercial solar, this is a good place to start. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about commercial solar installations.

How do I know if solar is a good fit for my business?

There are many factors that go into determining if solar is a good fit for your business. Thankfully, at CCE, we work with you to determine your solar wants and needs by conducting a site survey to determine which solar installation fits your business, answering your questions and providing a proposal that will take into account factors such as: cutting energy costs, standardizing future bills, embracing solar rebates and rewards, and presenting your business as green-focused with a lower carbon footprint. We will evaluate your current energy system, review your utility costs, identify all the energy saving opportunities and then calculate the projected energy savings, and submit a proposal.

Will going solar actually save my company money?

One of the greatest benefits of solar is that it practically pays for itself. Although it is an investment up front, solar systems tend to produce a great ROI within four to seven years depending on the size of the system. Besides that initial cost, commercial solar installations reduce electrical costs. Some of our clients have received up to 90% off their monthly electric bills. Plus, by cutting monthly electricity bills, you’re also inherently cutting your overhead.

If you choose to work with Cedar Creek Energy, we stay updated on all the latest federal, state and utility-based financial incentives. This includes the 26% federal tax credit- that means you keep 26% of your tax dollars in your pocket.

So, yes. In the long term, switching to solar will greatly save your company money. And if you’re not convinced, read up on our Commercial Case Studies and see what our previous clients have saved.

How will solar affect my company’s brand image?

These days people like your customers or clients look very favorably on companies that have gone green and installed solar panels. It communicates to your customers that you care about the environment, you are committing to reducing your carbon footprint, and that you support sustainable building practices. Your customers and clients will ultimately vote with their pocketbooks.

How do I choose a commercial solar installer?

Here are some things to look for when choosing your commercial solar installer in Minnesota: experience with all types of solar projects, number of total installations, customer reviews, variety of available technology (solar batteries, different solar panel brands, etc). Location of the solar installation company is a prime factor to also consider. Choosing a local solar company has more benefits than choosing to outsource your solar system. If you’re looking for more guidance on your choosing a solar company, read our blog on choosing the right solar installers.

Is solar worth it if we live in Minnesota? Does solar work in the winter?

Yes and yes. Solar works in the winter, and although northern climates receive fewer hours of sun in the winter, all you need is sun. The sun’s effect is, in fact, amplified on sunny days because the reflection of the snow generates even more light.

If you have more questions on your potential commercial solar installation, check out our FAQ page, or contact us—we’re happy to help.

Solar Energy Myths Debunked

May 10, 2021 By Cedar Creek Energy

The most common solar energy myths, debunked by yours truly, Cedar Creek Energy. Don’t let rumors stop you from achieving the green energy home or business of your dreams!

Myth #1: Solar Energy is Too Expensive

The myth that solar energy is too expensive is long outdated. One of the greatest benefits of solar is that it practically pays for itself. Going solar reduces your monthly energy bills by up to 90%.

Solar systems cost money up front, but save you money in the long run. Plus, there are many rebates and utilities to help offset that up-front cost. At Cedar Creek Energy, every time we design a solar system, we are creating it to give optimal payback and ROI which is why we stay current on all federal and state rebates, utility incentive programs and green energy financing solutions. We want to optimize your savings and do so through our expert financing and rebates. From tax credits to rewards programs, we’ve got you covered.

Myth #2: My Individual Contribution of Switching to Solar Won’t Make a Difference

In reality, your individual solar array can make quite the impact! Going solar drastically reduces your carbon footprint. The average U.S. household produces 7.5 tons of CO2 equivalents per year. Our arrays provide 100% clean energy to help eliminate these toxic emissions and save valuable natural resources. Take the Wheelers for example—they save 25,062 lbs of CO2 emissions per year. That’s the equivalent of 295 trees grown for ten years!

If you’re considering solar for your business, your carbon footprint will be reduced even more so. A veda Corporation, a cosmetics company dedicated to sustainability, made the switch to solar and save 1,269,000 lbs in CO2 emissions per year. Replacing fossil fuels with green energy solutions like solar increases the water, air and overall health of the environment.

Myth #3: Solar Panels Won’t Work in the Winter Because of Snow

Minnesota winters can put a stop to most things: driving, get-togethers, school, the list goes on. But, solar panels? Nope.

Although solar production does decrease in the winter, the main cause is lack of sunshine, not the snow. The sun’s effect is in fact amplified on sunny winter days because the reflection of the snow generates even more light.

Myth #4: Solar Panels Will Damage Your Roof

If you source a local, trustworthy solar company, like our team at Cedar Creek Energy, your roof will not be damaged. Residential and commercial solar panel installers are trained to safely install the panels without damaging customers’ roofs.

Many folks think solar requires holes to be put in the roof, leading to leaks and getting rained on, when in reality the process is minimally invasive and totally safe for your roof. You won’t start getting rained on inside your house just because you’ve had solar panels installed!

Most roofs can successfully hold solar panels, but if yours is not a good fit for solar, we will tell you. There are other options that we will happily discuss with you, including ground-mounted panels or LED-lighting.

Contact Us

Have questions? Need more solar energy myths debunked? Contact us today to schedule your free energy bid. We’ll answer your questions, discuss your options and explain our best practices. We look forward to working with you.

Cedar Creek Energy Blog