So much solar: new co-op opens and Bong Center celebrates their own array
Preserving veterans history with the power of the sun. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is proud to announce the completion of its new solar array.
It’s 20 kilowatts, and sits to the east of the museum. It cost around $10,000, but a grant from Solar for Good helped cover half of the price.
Originally designed as a rooftop system, plans changed in mid-2024 after concerns about wind exposure and structural integrity near Lake Superior. With full support from the City of Superior, the array was successfully redesigned as a ground-mounted system.
Installation began in November 2024 and overcame initial delays due to the unexpected discovery of buried concrete. The system officially went at live at the end of January.
This solar array represents Phase I of a long-term project that could eventually provide up to 80% of the Bong Center’s electricity needs, significantly reducing utility costs and allowing the nonprofit to reinvest more resources directly into its mission.
Also, the project earned a national award from a contest put together by the inverter manufacturer.
And if you want to go solar yourself, here’s your chance.
Solar United Neighbors (SUN) Minnesota is launching a new solar co-op in Northeast Minnesota to help area residents go solar together and save on the cost of quality installations through bulk purchasing power—with no obligation to purchase.
The solar co-op serves homeowners, farmers, and small businesses in St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Carlton, and Itasca counties. It marks SUN’s northernmost solar co-op in the United States and is free to join with no commitment required.
Brandon Martini and his wife were in a recent co-op, and their panels have saved them $600 so far.
SUN Minnesota will host both in-person and virtual information sessions throughout spring and early summer, covering essential topics for potential solar adopters – from cutting-edge technology to substantial financial incentives, including the federal solar investment tax credit that covers 30% of installation costs through 2032.
5/13 – In person Solar 101 in Grand Marais at Cook County Community Center
6/17 – Solar 101 webinar