Tag Archives: Sustainability

2020 Solar Trends: Opportunity Zones

Opportunity zones are certified low-income areas into which investors can deploy capital for value-adding projects, in exchange for federal capital gains tax and other advantages. 


In general, capital gains are incurred when selling an appreciated asset such as real estate or stocks.  The appreciated gain is taxed at a special rate, which is typically 15% to 20%.


By investing in opportunity zones an investor’s capital gains rate can be reduced by 50% to 75% depending on how long the investment is held.  


Opportunity zone funds can be used for solar, microgrids, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy storage.


Another benefit, Investors will not be taxed on any capital gains incurred from a project if they hold that property or asset for a decade or more.


There are 8,760 opportunity zones in all 50 states.

 

2020 Solar Trends: Xcel Solar Rewards Program

Xcel’s Solar*Rewards® program provides a financial incentive for residents, businesses and public entities to install solar power. Monthly payments are made to the owner of the solar system in exchange for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) produced by solar.  This is known as a performance-based incentive or PBI.


Xcel customers also qualify for Net Metering up to 1 megawatt AC (or enough power for roughly 200 homes).  If you generate more than you need, the extra energy is added to the grid, and any excess energy will be credited to your bill. 

Additionally, there’s a specific sub-program for under-resourced communities and income-qualified multi-family.


It is important to note that small commercial incentives levels are decreasing.


Also, large projects qualify for a separate bill-credit mechanism called capacity credit program or ELPC which was strengthened in 2019.

 

2020 Solar Trends: Minneapolis Green Cost Share Program

The City of Minneapolis is offering an incentive to install solar: the Green Cost Share Program. Qualifying projects will be compensated based on the solar array’s projected first year kilowatt hour production, up to $50,000.  Funding ranges from $.20 to $.40.


Priority will be given to buildings in designated Green Zones and to buildings that are participating in the 4D Affordable Housing Program.


Worth noting, projects receiving funding will require prevailing wage.

 

2020 Solar Trends: Corporate Solar

Major corporations are really stepping up and making a commitment to sustainability and clean energy! Industry leaders like Target, Walmart, IKEA, and Cargil have decided to leverage solar to benefit their business and the environment. 

 

Additionally, real estate investment trusts are also getting in the mix. Earlier this year, we announced two new projects with STAG where we are leasing their roofs for community solar projects!

 

IPS Solar hosting a Solar Energy Workshop

SOLAR ENERGY WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS

IPS Solar is excited to be bringing a REcharge Labs solar energy workshop to Red Wing Public Schools!

September 23rd 9am-1pm

Come to this workshop to learn about the science and technology around solar energy. The energy-based content combined with standards connected classroom activities will make it easy to bring renewable energy to your classroom.

What can you expect?

This is a FREE Training with lunch provided by IPS Solar.

Materials are geared towards 4th- 12th grade educators. In this hands-on training, educators will be going on a solar scavenger hunt, building solar fountains, and participating in a solar rover distance challenge. During these activities, educators will be learning about solar water pumping, power storage, and the variables that impact the efficiency of solar panels
Teachers do not need any prior knowledge of solar energy. They will learn about how solar power works and how to implement activities in their classroom. Preservice teachers are also invited! This event is also open to educators outside of Red Wing Public Schools.


IPS Solar is hosting this training, and will be presenting some data visualization tools, as well as a tour of the Red Wing Solar Array nearby.

RSVP Here