Cooperative Energy Futures makes solar affordable for Minnesota renters and building owners. We are looking for partners to bring the benefits of rooftop solar to even more income-qualified residents of the Twin Cities. 

What are the Benefits of CEF’s Affordable Solar Program?

  • No upfront cost for building owners

  • No upfront cost for residents 

  • Average bill reduction 30-40% for participating low-income units

  • CEF handles financing, construction and maintenance.

Do you own or live in affordable housing? Click here to learn more!

Local governments and community-based organizations who are interested in learning how to make Affordable Solar work in your community are also welcome to reach out for more information.

How Does Affordable Solar work?

CEF uses incentives from Xcel Energy (and local governments where available) to provide residential solar installations for income-qualified residents with no up-front cost. The solar energy produced offsets energy the residents would have purchased from Xcel and we charge 30-40% less for that energy.

Who can participate under the current program guidelines?

Any rental property or home that meets any of the following criteria is eligible

  • Certified Low Income Rental Property (LIRC).

  • Buildings with other use restrictions to serve low-income households, such as public housing or supportive housing.

  • 2-4 unit properties, where 50% or more of the units qualify for energy assistance.

  • Properties with 5 or more units where 66% of the units qualify for energy assistance.

  • Individual units where the residents qualify for energy assistance, medical assistance, WIC, SNAP or a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.

  • Community Land Trust Homes

  • Habitat For Humanity homes or candidates.

Solar panels installed on a roof


What does the landlord need to provide CEF to determine the building’s eligibility?

  • Address of building

  • Age of building

  • Age of roof

  • Square footage of units

  • Building plans (Desirable but not mandatory)

Simple Sign-up process: 

  1. Once a buildings suitability has been determined CEF will discuss the program with residents and find people interested in signing up (this step is not necessary if the landlord pays the individually metered utilities).

  2. CEF will determine the system size each unit is eligible for based off of square footage or historic usage

  3. CEF will submit an application to for funding around the 1st of the year.

  4. Energy Bill payers whose projects qualify for funding will be notified and sign final agreements allowing CEF to secure financing and construct the systems.



Please click this link to access Exhibit 1 of our Subscriber Agency Agreement that allows us to access your Xcel Energy electricity usage to determine the size of your solar array. All necessary and all legal documents are shared with subscribers. In order to reduce paperwork, Cooperative Energy Futures offers this document here, rather than attached to the Subscriber Agency Agreement.

Email info@cooperativeenergyfutures

Or call 612-568-2334 to learn more