Six Southeast MN Schools Receive Funding for Solar Panel Installation

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KWNO)-Six school districts across four counties in southeast Minnesota are receiving grants to install solar panels.

Houston, Plainview-Elgin-Millville, Rochester, Bryon, Stewartville, and Austin school districts are all getting a piece of $7.5 million in grant money allocated by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The grant funds are part of the department’s Solar for Schools program.

The money is being spread out to 80 buildings in 45 greater Minnesota school districts. Officials with the department of commerce say the panels will help schools save on energy costs and offer students a chance to learn about solar energy in real-time.

“The grants will cover up to 95% of costs for the schools, based on their financial need, allowing schools to install solar panels on school rooftops or school grounds,” a press release from the agency says. The grants are the first school solar projects awarded through the Solar for Schools Program, which was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2021.