CEE Solar Loans (Center for Energy and Environment)
A nonprofit Minnesota lender with a solar loan of up to $60,000. Here are the terms, the license rule, and the one timing rule you can't skip.
← All financing options · Last reviewed October 2026
The short answer: The CEE Residential Solar Loan from Center for Energy and Environment finances up to $60,000, or up to 100% of project costs, over 5, 10 or 15 years. It's secured by a mortgage and has no income limit. CEE requires a contractor with Minnesota building and electrical licenses, and iSolar holds both. Your project can't start until the loan is approved.
What the CEE solar loan is
Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that has run home energy loan programs in Minnesota for years. Its CEE Residential Solar Loan finances rooftop or ground-mounted solar for Minnesota homeowners. It's one of the lenders we work with for homeowners who want to own their system and finance it through a mission-driven local lender.
Like a credit union loan, it's arranged between you and CEE. We provide the proposal and do the work. You pay us on our normal schedule, and CEE lends to you.
CEE solar loan at a glance
| Feature | CEE Residential Solar Loan |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | Up to $60,000 |
| Financing | Up to 100% of project costs |
| Terms | 5, 10 or 15 years |
| Rate* | Starting at 6.625%. APR as low as 7.172% (5 yr), 6.918% (10 yr), 6.833% (15 yr), based on a $60,000 loan |
| Collateral | Secured by a mortgage on the property |
| Income limit | None |
| Property | Owner-occupied residential. Not held in a trust, not under construction, not used commercially. |
| Contractor requirement | Minnesota building contractor and electrical licenses |
| Closing costs | Apply |
| Prepayment penalty | None |
| Timing rule | The project may not start before the loan is approved |
*As of October 2026, from CEE's Residential Solar Loan page. CEE notes that rates are subject to change at any time and that funds depend on availability. Confirm current terms with CEE before you sign.
What the loan covers
CEE describes eligible work as solar photovoltaic systems that produce renewable energy for a residence and garage. Its solar loan page doesn't mention batteries, roof replacement or electrical panel upgrades. If your project includes any of those, ask CEE before you apply whether they can go in the same loan. If they can't, we'll price them as separate line items so the solar portion is easy for CEE to review. Our house-readiness check can flag a roof or panel issue early.
Why the license requirement matters
CEE requires every contractor to hold both a Minnesota building contractor license and an electrical license from the Department of Labor and Industry. That's a meaningful filter, because some solar sales companies hold neither and hire someone else to install.
iSolar holds both: Minnesota electrical contractor license EA761814 and residential building contractor license BC810322. Our crews are supervised under master electrician John Ihle (MN AM005101). We'll provide license details to CEE when it asks.
The one rule that trips people up: don't start early
CEE states that the project may not be started before loan approval. If we install first and you apply later, the loan may not cover the job. We build that rule into the schedule:
- We'll give you a full proposal for CEE to review before anything is ordered or installed.
- Permit and interconnection paperwork can run while CEE reviews your application, but we won't mobilize a crew until you confirm the loan is approved.
- If the timing affects a Solar*Rewards application window, we'll explain the tradeoff before you decide.
How it works with iSolar
- Get a written proposal. We design your system and give you a cash price with equipment, production estimate and payment schedule. Start with a free quote.
- Apply with CEE. Use the Apply Now link on CEE's solar loan page and include our proposal. CEE handles credit review and the mortgage paperwork.
- Sign with iSolar. Sign our contract and pay the deposit (5% down, $1,200 minimum). We'll coordinate the date with your approval.
- Paperwork in parallel. We prepare the permit and utility interconnection application, plus Solar*Rewards if you're eligible with Xcel.
- Loan approval, then install. Once CEE approves the loan and it closes, we schedule installation. Most homes take 1–2 days.
- Inspection and PTO. After the city inspection and utility Permission to Operate, your system turns on. The balance is paid at the milestones in your contract.
City and neighborhood loan programs
Besides its statewide solar loan, CEE runs loan programs with individual Minnesota cities and neighborhoods. Some of these have been usable for solar, sometimes on different terms than the statewide loan. The list changes, so check CEE's city-specific offerings for your address before you apply. If you live in Minneapolis, also look at the city's Green Cost Share program on our income-qualified solar page.
Who it's best for, and who it isn't
Best for
- Minnesota homeowners who want a fixed-rate, secured loan of up to 15 years from a nonprofit lender
- Households above income limits for assistance programs, since CEE lists no maximum income
- Projects up to $60,000, which covers most home systems. A 10 kW system typically runs about $30,000–$32,500 before incentives.
Not ideal for
- Homes held in a trust, which CEE lists as ineligible
- Anyone who wants to install right away, since the loan must be approved first. A point-of-sale loan like One Ethos usually decides faster.
- Homeowners who don't want a mortgage lien. Paying cash or an unsecured option may fit better.
Not sure which loan fits? Our loan vs. cash comparison walks through the math.
Next step
CEE needs a proposal to review, so start there. Request a free quote and tell us you plan to use a CEE loan, and we'll build the schedule around its approval rule.
Sources
- Center for Energy and Environment — CEE Residential Solar Loan
- Center for Energy and Environment — City and Neighborhood Local Financing
- Center for Energy and Environment — Afford Energy Upgrades with CEE Lending
iSolar is not a lender. Loan approval, rates and terms are set by the lender. Information current as of October 2026; confirm details with the lender.
Frequently asked.
What is the interest rate on the CEE solar loan?
As of October 2026, CEE lists rates starting at 6.625%, with APRs as low as 7.172% for 5 years, 6.918% for 10 years and 6.833% for 15 years, based on a $60,000 loan. CEE says rates can change at any time, so confirm with CEE when you apply.
Is there an income limit for the CEE solar loan?
No. CEE lists no maximum income for its Residential Solar Loan. Approval depends on credit and CEE's program guidelines.
Can my solar installation start before my CEE loan is approved?
No. CEE states that the project may not start before loan approval. We schedule installation after you confirm the loan is approved.
Does the CEE solar loan require a lien on my home?
Yes. CEE says the loan is secured by a mortgage on the property, and closing costs apply. There's no prepayment penalty.
Is iSolar an eligible contractor for CEE financing?
CEE requires a Minnesota building contractor license and an electrical license. iSolar holds electrical contractor license EA761814 and residential building contractor license BC810322.
Who is CEE?
Center for Energy and Environment is a Minnesota nonprofit that runs energy research, efficiency programs and home energy lending. Its lending center offers solar, home improvement and city-specific loan programs.
Not sure which option fits?
We'll model cash, loans and incentives side by side for your home or business — free, no pressure. Call (651) 565-1140.