News

A new program from the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) is creating the opportunity for an educational solar installation in every member community.

MMPA, the wholesale power supplier to its member municipal utilities, will award Hometown Solar Grants for 5 kW educational solar installations to four communities each year for three years. MMPA communities selected for 2016 awards are Arlington, Brownton, Olivia and Winthrop.

“The Hometown Solar Grants are an extension of MMPA’s Energy Education Program, and are meant to provide an educational asset to each community that will help teach students and community members about how sunlight is converted into electricity, and the unique characteristics of solar power,” said Steve Schmidt, MMPA Chairman.

Educational facilities, such as schools, community centers and libraries will have an opportunity to apply for the program. Schmidt said application information for future sites will be sent directly to the educational institutions.

This spring, MMPA completed its first solar installation at its Faribault Energy Park (FEP) power generation facility on the north edge of Faribault. The FEP installation supports the Agency’s Energy Education Program, including educational tours at the Faribault facility.

MMPA’s Energy Education Program demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to provide educational resources about energy for schools in its member communities and project host communities. Since 2012, MMPA has reached more than 7,800 students through its Energy Education Program. MMPA continues to expand the program to reach more students and community members with the addition of the Hometown Solar Grant Program.