Current information (07/25/2025): The new STATEWIDE round of the Solar on Public Buildings grant program opens soon! Check back here for updates and stay current by signing up for our energy funding newsletter.
Solar on Public Buildings grant program
What's available:
The Solar on Public Buildings grant program is now available to local units of government and Tribal Nations statewide, in any utility service territory! $14.5 million in grant funding is available for eligible applicants to install solar energy generating systems up to 40 kwh on publicly owned and operated buildings.
RFP coming soon, for the statewide round of the Solar on Public Buildings grant program
The Request for Proposals for the statewide round of Solar on Public Buildings will be posted and available for download in early August. This round will be eligibility-based. Applications will be accepted upon the opening of the RFP, and will be reviewed as they are received. Applications will be open continuously until November 14, 2025, or notification from the Department that all funds have been committed, whichever occurs first.
Grants will be awarded for up to 70% of the project costs for a solar array that is built on or adjacent to a public building and is the lesser of 40 kwh system capacity or 120% of the building’s annual energy consumption. Grants combined with the Federal Direct Pay tax credit may cover up to 100% of the cost of the system.
Get started today!
>> Set up a free consultation with the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Representative for unbiased advice and technical assistance:
Contact CERTs:
- 11 county metro: Aaron Backs abacks@gpisd.net
- Greater Minnesota/outside of metro: Pete Lindstrom plindstr@umn.edu
>> Start the procurement process to find a solar installer (CERTs can assist with this).
>> Identify your eligible building:
- Owned and operated by the local government unit
- A building or adjacent land equipped to hold a solar array and receive ample sunlight
>> Contact your utility about connecting a solar array to the grid (CERTs can assist with this too).
>> Plan to claim the Federal Tax Credit through Direct Pay: contact StateofMNIRATaxComplianceSupport@deloitte.com for assistance, paid for by the State of MN
Eligible applicants for this grant program are local units of government including a county, statutory or home rule charter city, town, or other local government jurisdiction, excluding a school district eligible to receive financial assistance under section 216C.375; or a federally recognized Indian Tribe in Minnesota. (Minn. Stat. § 216C.377, subd. 1).
Questions and additional information
For questions about the program and application process, email Energy.Contracts@state.mn.us. All questions will be answered in the Solar on Public Buildings FAQ and updated weekly, available on the Solar on Public Buildings webpage.