News

Anoka, East Grand Forks, Le Sueur and North St. Paul have been named as the Minnesota communities to receive a 2017 educational solar installation by the city’s wholesale electrical supplier, the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) under its Hometown Solar Grant Program.

“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 of Anoka, MMPA Chairman.

The next step for the selected communities is for educational facilities to apply for the grant by November 30.  Grant recipients will receive a 5kW solar installation to be located at their facility. Applications have been sent to educational facilities and grants are expected to be awarded early next year. Installations of the solar panels are planned for 2017.

MMPA’s approach is to award four grants each year for three years, providing all 12 of MMPA’s member communities the opportunity to participate.

In 2016, The Agency selected the member communities of Arlington, Brownton, Olivia and Winthrop to receive solar grants. Solar panels have been installed at Brownton City Offices, BOLD High School and GFW High School. In addition, an installation at Sibley East Middle/High School in Arlington is planned for 2017.

The Energy Education Program demonstrates MMPA’s commitment to provide educational resources about energy for schools in its member communities and project host communities. Since 2012, the program has reached more than 10,000 students. MMPA continues to expand the program to reach more students and community members with the addition of the Hometown Solar Grant Program.