Minnesota is a leader in the midwest for solar power, with a variety of community and utility level programs in addition to the statewide PACE solar loan program for business. Now another community is putting itself on the map for supporting this renewable energy source.

Green-friendly energy programs such as wind and solar have become a political hot button in recent years, placing public policy and programs like Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) under attack by those who claim they’re bad for business. The reality is that an RPS is a powerful economic driver that can stimulate a local economy through job creation and reduced operating costs for many companies.

As market volatility and global unrest continue to create massive fluctuation in fossil fuel markets, renewable energy is proving to be the future of energy production. Here are five reasons that signify the shift to renewables.

We are a solar power installer, so of course we wish everyone could go solar. But it doesn’t make sense for everyone or maybe it’s not the right time for some people to install an array right now.

What are SRECs?

If you’ve spent time looking into solar for your home or business, you’ve likely heard the term SRECs, which stands for Solar Renewable Energy Certificates or Solar Renewable Energy Credits. SRECs are solar incentives offered to homeowners and businesses who have a qualifying solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Utility companies then pay system owners for these certificates as a way for the utility to meet their state-issued Renewable Portfolio Standard.

Wind power has had a headstart, but solar energy in Iowa is moving towards realizing its potential. With Iowa’s central location in the middle of the United State, where importing fuels increases energy costs, diversification of renewable energy sources has become a priority in the Hawkeye State. Even when dark and snowy Iowa winters are taken into account, the average annual sunlight hours and clear sunny days makes solar power a great investment.

Michael Allen, co-founder of All Energy Solar of St. Paul, is grateful for a partly sunny 2020.

"All in all, it was a good year, but not the year we had hoped for," said Allen, 38. "We installed more than in 2019. The stress levels, thanks to COVID-19, were at an all-time high."

Live in Massachusetts? Thinking about ways to take control of your spending? One thing to consider that could have a huge impact on your utility spending is installing solar power panels. Not only could you potentially be saving hundreds of dollars yearly, that number adds up to thousands over the lifetime of your solar power system. What’s even better is Massachusetts solar power incentives, along with federal tax credits, could make solar energy more affordable than you think.

For being the North Star State, Minnesota residents sure love our daytime star - the sun. Despite our snow-covered reputation, as of 2019, we’re ranked 12th in the nation for solar power installed. As Minnesota continues to develop solar friendly programs, we could rate even better.