Solar for Schools Grant Program

Program Type: Statewide solar incentive program for K-12 schools and state colleges/universities

Geographic Scope: Minnesota schools NOT in Xcel Energy service territory

Administrator: Minnesota Department of Commerce

Eligibility:

• K-12 public schools not served by Xcel Energy
• State colleges and universities not served by Xcel Energy

Focus Areas:

• Solar energy system installation on school buildings
• Curriculum integration of solar projects as visible learning tools
• Technical and financial assistance

Financial Assistance:

• Tiered grant system based on two metrics that estimate tax base per student at given school or district
• Grant amounts vary by school financial need tier
• Schools can use Department's calculations to estimate expected financial assistance

Overall Budget: $8 million for K-12 public schools; $1,242,000 for state colleges and universities; Over $9 million dedicated to projects outside Xcel territory to support greater Minnesota and Metro areas

Application Timeline:

• Two request for proposal (RFP) periods each year
• Period 1: January - May
• Period 2: July - November
• First period began January 2022

Requirements:

• Schools must integrate solar project into curriculum
• Solar system must serve as visible learning tool for students and teachers
• Flexibility allowed in one-year timeline for solar installation

Technical Support:

• Department contracting with Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) to provide hands-on technical assistance
• CERTs assist with: energy usage understanding, interconnection process, net metering, power purchase agreements, solar curricula development

Benefits:

• Reduced energy bills for schools (saves taxpayer dollars)
• Growth in local renewable energy deployment and associated jobs
• Decreased emissions from polluting energy sources
• Increased awareness and understanding of renewable energy in communities
• Supports communities in greater Minnesota with dedicated funding

Application Process

Key Steps:

1. Determine if your school is eligible (not in Xcel Energy territory)
2. Calculate expected grant amount using Department's tax base metrics
3. Submit application during one of two RFP periods (Jan-May or Jul-Nov)
4. Work with Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) for technical assistance throughout application process

Support Available:

• CERTs provide hands-on technical assistance including:
  • Understanding school energy usage
  • Navigating interconnection process
  • Understanding net metering
  • Negotiating power purchase agreements with third parties
  • Developing solar curricula

Required Materials (implied)

• School information and financial need documentation
• Proposed solar project details
• Curriculum integration plan
• Timeline for installation