When is the deadline for Solar for Schools Grant Program?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Solar for Schools Grant Program

Q: How much funding does Solar for Schools Grant Program provide?

Solar for Schools Grant Program provides Tiered grants based on school district tax base per student and financial need in funding.

FRESH ENERGY

Foundation Semi-annual Grants for K-12 Schools Solar Energy Grants Environmental Education Grants

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Funding Amount

Tiered grants based on school district tax base per student and financial need

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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

Contact: Minnesota Department of Commerce; Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)

How to Apply

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