The excitement of the Solar Powering Minnesota conference continues with the launch of the Power Pack Minnesota program!
Targeting communities in Minnesota Power territory and adjacent municipal and cooperative utilities, the Power Pack program will grow the solar PV market by:
- Educating consumers about solar energy
- Generating leads for solar PV installers and local businesses
- Facilitating customer qualification
- Partnering with community college programs
Who’s behind this effort? Power Pack Minnesota is a partnership between the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), Hibbing Community College and Kankakee Community College. It is made possible with support from the Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams and the National Science Foundation.
How Does the Power Pack Generate Leads? The Power Pack program educates potential customers at free, one-hour community workshops called, Power Hours. At each Power Hour participants learn about solar PV system basics, market trends, siting requirements, economic benefits and financing options. Approved, local installers are available at the workshop to answer participant inquiries and qualify leads. A limited number of free site assessments are offered by partner community colleges to workshop attendees.
Become an Approved Power Pack Installer: The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is currently accepting proposals from qualified, professionally licensed, Minnesota based contractors who are interested in participating in the Power Pack Minnesota program as an approved solar PV installer. Download the Minnesota RFP and submit it by the April 18, 2014 deadline.
Become a Power Pack Partner: The Power Pack partners with local suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that Power Hour customers have access to regionally manufactured solar products. If you are a Minnesota based supplier or manufacturer, contact MREA for additional details about becoming a Power Pack partner.
Learn more: Additional Power Pack program information is available on the program website. You can rirect questions to Karen Blaha at karenb@midwestrenew.org or 715-592-6595.
