About
Founded in 2018, Solar Commons Project is a ngo headquartered in Minneapolis, United States specializing in Solar.
The Solar Commons Project is a multi-disciplinary research initiative housed at the Minnesota Design Center, College of Design, University of Minnesota, led by Professor Kathryn Milun. The project applies a Solar Commons Model of low-income community trust ownership through Living Labs with community partners. It develops legal, economic, and digital governance infrastructure enabling communities to establish solar arrays that generate peer-governed revenue streams for community development. The project embeds solar technology in social and ecological relationships supporting equitable livelihoods in rural and urban regions. Key research outcomes include financial analysis by Rocky Mountain Institute demonstrating scalability to 10 GW across the US, with optimal array sizing at 500 kW generating $70,000-$100,000 annually to community trust funds. Partners include tribal organizations, universities, solar manufacturers, and community groups across Minnesota and Arizona.
Headquarters
Minneapolis, United States
Founded
2018
Company Type
NGO
Business Models
Value Chain
Service Regions
Arizona, Minnesota, Lake Superior Region
Industry Memberships
Lake Superior Living Labs Network, Minnesota Design Center
Projects
Tucson Solar Commons
Northland Solar Commons
North Minneapolis Solar Commons
Certifications & Awards
Awards
US Greenbuild Legacy Project
Solar In Your Community Challenge Finalist