What is Community Solar?
Community Solar is administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Xcel Energy customers sign up with a community solar garden (CSG) operator (also known as a “Subscriber Organization”) and are assigned to a state-approved CSG with available capacity.
Once the CSG begins producing solar energy, subscribers will receive a monthly solar credit on their energy bill based on the amount of energy produced by the CSG in the previous month. The CSG operator then bills subscribers based on a percentage of their bill credit for that month. Basic rules of the program in Minnesota:
- At least 30% of each CSG’s capacity must be reserved for income-eligible households, defined as those making 150% of area median income or below.
- The CSG subscription is transferable and portable, but only within Xcel Energy’s Minnesota service territory.
- Beginning in 2025, subscribers will have the option to enroll in consolidated billing, meaning CSG billing will be included on their Xcel bill and not paid separately to the CSG operator.
- There are no credit checks, enrollment fees or exit fees!
Community Solar is the EASIEST way to go solar, reduce your carbon emissions, and save money in Minnesota!
Real Savings, Real Stories
See What Our Customers Are Saying
Dennis Dawson
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Enyel came to my door with integrity and kindness. I had credits already but he locked me in for a nicer supplier rate nonetheless. I'll be sure to recommend him to family and friends.
Auburn, ME
Graindlynne Dixon
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Thank you Justin! He’s excellent, he told me all about community solar farms and how they produce for renters. I can’t wait for my savings! Also he helped with my supplier that was taxing me at 0.18 cents he helped get down to 0.9 cents!!
Harvey, IL
Maria Ruggiero
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I am so grateful that I ran into Anthony Harper and Abdulla Norman speaking to my neighbor about this program. They were so courteous, professional and very informative about what this program entails. They are awesome!
Paramus, NJ
Elvira Landestoy
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Taylor was amazing in every way possible. He not only took the time explaning everything a second time when my husband returned home, but Taylor went out of his way to explain other ways that we could possibly save money on our electic bill [...] Read More
Cambridge, MA
Caitie Collier
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Justin was super sweet, kind, charismatic and personable. He was incredibly helpful and walked me through the whole process. It didn't take long at all. He was extremely knowledgeable on the topic, and you can tell he's passionate about his work. 10/10.
Portland, ME
Karla Tejada
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Wow Taylor was the best!!! Highly recommend community solar! We couldn’t afford to put the panels on our roof, but are excited to see a credit back from the solar farm. Thanks Taylor, you were one in a million as I never do stuff like this but I’m glad I did.
Falmouth, MA
Rakesh P.
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A few months ago, I was approached by Mateusz from Finray Solar, who introduced me to the Community Solar program and its association with PSEG. From the very first minute, Mateusz was extremely professional, sharing his ID card and government proof, which helped build trust [...] Read More
Jersey City, NJ
Caitlin Conner
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Finray solar, what a great source to save money on energy. Sean was very helpful to set up my account at no cost to me and showed me user friendly access to my account! Thank you.
Nottingham, MD
Richard Melo
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Best customer service I have ever had. Meet the agent through a mutual friend. He wasn't working at the time and told me about the service. Once he went to work he contacted me and explained the service. I was skeptical at first [...] Read More
New Bedford, MA
Clare Ollayos
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I had a very pleasant and informative presentation and signed up with Einar. I really appreciated the time and not being pressured, just informed.
Elgin, IL
Robert Burkhardt
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I was so against changing anything that had to do with my utilities, especially something that had to do with renewable energy. I am one that says if something’s not broken don’t fix it! James took 20 minutes out of his time explaining how things worked, and that it would actually be saving me money! I was extremely skeptical at first, [...] Read More
Everett, MA
All testimonials provided by actual Finray Solar customers.
How does it work?
1. Link your utility bill with a solar project
Connect your existing electric account with a nearby solar project. You just need a copy of your recent utility bill. Enroll online in under 2 minutes, completely free.
2. Start generating solar power
When the sun shines, the solar farm generates power and feeds it to your utility’s electric grid on your behalf, earning you credits.
3. Receive solar credits
Your utility bill is credited for the amount of solar power that was generated for you during this billing cycle, reducing what you owe the utility (see example below).
4. Pay for your solar credits
After your reduced utility bill arrives, you pay your solar project directly for your solar credits at the guaranteed discount of 5-25% (discount depends on state, utility, customer status and project).
Example Utility Bill with Solar Credits
Click image to expand & zoom
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to start receiving solar credits?
Community solar credits will start reducing your utility bill about 2 to 3 billing cycles after enrollment, if the project is live. If a project is under construction, it may take 3-8 months for credits to start, but rest assured, your spot is reserved! Your first e-statement from the solar project will be after your credited utility bill arrives.
Can I transfer the program if I move?
You can transfer the program if you move within the approved region for the project. Simply call or email the developer to confirm. If your consumption is much higher or lower at the next property, you may ask the developer to readjust your solar credit allocation.
What if I move out of the area or wish to cancel? (ie. getting solar on the home)
There are no exit fees for residential consumers. Please provide 90 days (or as much as possible) notice to the solar project ahead of a move/cancellation so they can assign solar credits to other customers and stop allocating them towards your account.
Once you move, contact Finray Solar to see if we have a solar farm with availability in your new area.
How are credits calculated?
The solar farm will allocate credits for 90% of your historical consumption with your utility (based on past 12 months). If your usage increases (ie. you buy an EV), you may contact the solar project and ask for them to recalculate your share of credits. If you don’t use up all your credits in a given month, they will roll over to the following month.
Annually, your utility will provide a monetary credit for the kWh not applied to prior bills at the avoided cost of power.
Save money and the environment
By applying for credits from a local solar farm, you can earn bill credits for up to 20 years and SAVE THOUSANDS of dollars!
You also help fund the building of new solar farms, which allows for more homes to connect to a renewable source, and reduces America’s dependency on fossil fuels (ie. natural gas, oil, coal).
Join us on OUR MISSION to connect 500,000 Americans to clean energy by 2030, enroll today!
Enroll Today and Start Saving
Step 1: Submit your information below, use code MN25
Step 2: Go to your email to continue the enrollment
Step 3: Finish the enrollment with our partner in Minnesota
Step 4: Email us ([email protected]) your first discounted solar statement to earn a $25 bonus!
Still have questions?
Learn more about Finray Solar — WHO we are, WHAT we do, and WHY.
Or, feel free to Contact Us to ASK A QUESTION. We look forward to speaking with you. And we are excited to help you connect your home to a discounted clean source of electricity!