SAINT PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Commerce has awarded $1.23 million in grants to 17 local governments to install solar arrays on 23 buildings, including town halls, fire stations, community centers, and public works buildings.

The grants will fund solar installations that are expected to save an estimated $2.54 million in energy costs over the next 25 years.

“Solar on public buildings benefits communities. Adding solar power to public buildings lowers energy costs and saves taxpayers money,” said Pete Wyckoff, Commerce Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources. “It also increases our supply of homegrown energy resources and moves us toward achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.”  

The program, established by state law, offers grants to local governments within the Xcel Energy electric service territory. The grants cover up to 70% of the solar installation costs and can generate up to 120% of the building’s annual energy consumption.  

Funded projects include: 

• City of La Crescent: Solar installation at the La Crescent Aquatic Center.   
• Nine Mile Creek Watershed District: Solar panels installed on its Discovery Point office and education center. 
• City Halls: Solar arrays on city hall buildings for Centerville, Chanhassen, Little Canada, New London, Robbinsdale, and Vadnais Heights.
• Fire stations: Solar panels installed on fire stations in Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, New London and Plymouth. 
• Community centers: Solar arrays installed at Fridley’s Moore Lake Community Building, New London Senior Center, and St. Paul’s North End Community Center.
• Water treatment plants/public works buildings: Solar installations at Bayport, Coon Rapids, Minnetonka, and St. Anthony’s water treatment plants and/or public works buildings.

Local governments interested in applying for Solar on Public Buildings grants can learn more at an upcoming webinar April 7, 10:30 a.m. 

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Contact
Mo Schriner
Minnesota Department of Commerce
651-363-1227
mo.schriner@state.mn.us