Sooper Credit Union and the Clean Energy Collective have teamedup to help local consumers tap into green power.

As part of the partnership, the Arvada, Colo., credit union willoffer affordable, long-term Clean Energy loans to consumers andbusinesses that buy into CEC community-owned solar gardens.

The community solar model is designed to encourage solarownership. According to Paul Spencer, founder/CEO of the CleanEnergy Collective, community solar gardens are not only moreefficient and produce more power than rooftop systems, butinstallation and maintenance costs are less expensive.

He added that the structure allows customers to receive all ofthe rebates and tax incentives of home-sited systems up front.

Sooper CU members who buy a single panel, or as many as neededto completely power their home or business, will be eligible forthe Clean Energy loan.

Locals can choose three, five, seven, or 10-year loans withfixed rates as low as 2.25% for three-year loans and 5.5% for10-year loans, with no prepayment penalties for the life of theloan. In addition, home or building ownership is not required toparticipate.

“We are excited to have created this pioneering loan programwith the Clean Energy Collective,” said Dan Kester, CEO of the $246million credit union. “We see the rapidly growing solarmarket as an opportunity to help all of our members and communitiesown clean renewable power at affordable rates.”

He pointed out that the partnership has made Sooper CU the firstlender in the nation to address the community-owned solar panelmarketplace with low-interest loans.