ST. PAUL, Minn. (GRAY) – By the end of 2026, leaders with the Minnesota Department of Commerce say the state will have produced 400 solar-powered schools, more than double the amount it had in 2022.
The state will also distribute its 200th grant for the Solar for Schools program. The program is meant to equip schools across the state with the resources necessary to install solar power. Since the program’s launch in 2022, the Department of Commerce has set aside roughly $32.6 million for the program.
Cost savings represent one of the biggest incentives for districts to participate in the program.
“The solar array saves us $22,000 annually, accumulating to an estimated $900,000 over the system’s lifetime,” said Christine Osorio, Superintendent of School District 622.
The Department also marked the continued success of the Electric School Bus Grant Program, which has awarded roughly $8.8 million to school districts to upgrade to electric buses. Right now, there are currently 23 electric school buses operating within 10 districts across the state.
In addition to saving districts money on energy costs, leaders say the programs provide a learning experience for students.
“Imagine learning about electricity in science class, and then being able to see exactly how much power the solar panels at your school are producing. Or learning about electric vehicles, and then riding one to school every morning,” said Julia Dreier, Temporary Commissioner of the Department of Commerce.
According to the Department of Commerce, Minnesota ranks 7^th in the nation in total number of solar-powered schools.
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