Minnesota’s clean jobs economy has taken a considerable hit since investments by businesses and consumers began scaling back in March as COVID-19 started shutting down the state’s economy.

Thomas Rekstein no longer minds looking at the electric bill for his Great River Insurance business on North Riverfront Drive

"My

 electric bill used to be $4,500 annually, now it’s down to $1,200 a year."

Rekstein, who had 38 solar panels installed on the roof and awnings of his building, said the investment was well worth it.

"It’s been great. I’d recommend it to anyone."

Crews are equipped with masks and gloves and practicing social distancing at — and on the way to — job sites.  

Minnesota solar installers say they have been able to continue work on rooftops with only limited disruptions so far from the coronavirus pandemic.

The times are changing and it’s more important than ever to think about the future and what decisions we make that may impact the environment for generations to come. With the immense advancements in technology, consumers now have smart, eco-friendly options to consider at their fingertips that will not only help save the environment, but also save money. One way that is growing in popularity is converting homes to solar energy. All Energy Solar, a locally owned company based in St. Paul, is doing just that for residents all over the Twin Cities.

The numbers are in. The U.S. Department of Labor’s statistics predict that over the next decade, solar installer jobs will grow more than any other occupation.

All Energy Solar is a company in the Midway that designs, installs, and monitors solar power systems for homes and businesses – and they’ve been doing it for 10 years.

If you’re interested in home solar installation, you’ll want to first have an audit of your property. You’ll be asked for details about your roof, your garage roof and other available space. You’ll discuss your current energy usage, the age of your shingles and the availability of any incentives, if applicable.

A home solar installation can help you build equity and gain independence from utilities. That’s because you’ll own the solar panels that are installed in your home, either through direct purchase or financing. The value of those panels will be included in all future assessments of your property.

If you pay an electric bill, you might be able to join a community solar garden (CSG). They are a popular way to “rent” available solar energy each month. You become a subscriber to the garden by signing a contract for a specified amount of time. Then credit shows up on your monthly electric bill.

If you’re considering switching energy use to solar power, there are a few great options available. You can select a home solar system, in which solar panels are installed on the roof of your home or ground-mount them somewhere on your property. Or you may be able to choose to subscribe to a community solar garden, which is a collection of solar arrays located in a sunny area in your county or a neighboring county that allows contract-holders to receive utility bill credit for energy generated.