News

Educational Solar Arrays Energized in MMPA Communities

August 12, 2016



Installations are part of Agency’s Hometown Solar Grant Program.

MMPA Hometown Solar [Winthrop]The sun is powering new learning tools in Brownton, Olivia and Winthrop as part of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency’s (MMPA) Hometown Solar Grant Program — an extension of the Agency’s Energy Education Program for its 12 member municipalities.

Brownton City Offices, Bird Island-Olivia-Lake Lillian (BOLD) High School, and Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (GFW) High School are among the first to receive installations provided by the their city’s wholesale electrical supplier, MMPA. Sibley East Middle/High School in Arlington has also been awarded the grant and is expected to receive an installation in 2017.

The Hometown Solar Grant Program provides an opportunity for MMPA member community students and residents to learn about the benefits and characteristics of solar power. Information and data from the solar array will be shared with local schools to support energy education in the classroom.

MMPA Hometown Solar [Brownton] (2)Since 2010, MMPA’s Energy Education Program has provided learning opportunities for more than 10,000 elementary school students in member communities through classroom information, in-school assemblies and tours.

MMPA Chairman Steve Schmidt said, “The future of our energy supply includes both conventional and renewable sources. This new solar installation will help our member communities gain knowledge and familiarization with renewable technology.”

Schmidt commented, “The Hometown Solar Program demonstrates MMPA’s commitment to support our member communities and provide value to our members’ customers.”

All 12 of MMPA’s member communities will have the opportunity to participate in the program. MMPA plans to award four grants each year for three years.

 

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