Solarize Kingfield Phase II Partners
Who is MRES and what is their role?The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) is a member-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in Minneapolis in 1978 and incorporated in Minnesota in 1979 to promote the use of, and to engage in advocacy for, renewable energies in Minnesota through education and through the demonstration of practical applications. MRES is involved in education, awareness, and advocacy efforts for all forms of renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on solar technologies. MRES has offered a reduced price on-site solar assessment for all Solarize Kingfield workshop participants.
Who is AEI and what is their role? Applied Energy Innovations (AEI) is a renewable and energy efficiency general contractor located in South Minneapolis. AEI was one of the four original solar partners in the first commercial round of Solarize Kingfield.  AEI is licensed, bonded insured and installs NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) credentialed installations which is the highest standard for solar pv installations. With dozens of solar installs and hundreds of successful projects, AEI maintains a triple A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and 4 stars Angie’s List recommendations.
In an effort to stay competitive and grow the solar community of Minneapolis in a climate that may soon not provide rebates, AEI has negotiated bulk-buy opportunities directly from manufacturers where the saving on solar equipment can be passed onto the costumer. AEI approached KFNA in the summer of 2012 and asked to work with KFNA as the community organizing arm of the program to offer bulk-buy solar to the Kingfield community. AEI has partnered with other community based groups in other neighborhoods of Minneapolis with success.
AEI will lead the educational workshops, offer aerial solar assessments at no additional charge to all attendees, and offer all attendees the opportunity to participate in the bulk-buy program. If selected as a contractor by a workshop attendee, AEI will sign a contract with the property owner and handle the ordering, install, permitting, and final paperwork and lien waivers. AEI will also enter into a Memo of Understanding with KFNA and provide KFNA with a $250 administrative fee per property for our role in the program for each signed contract.