SOLAR SCHOOLS
Renewable Energy with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math Curriculum.
This project involves the installment of six solar arrays, totaling 1. 5 MW, for Pine River-Backus and Pequot Lakes school districts and Central Lakes College. These three projects in central Minnesota will reduce each school’s carbon footprint by 1,420 metric tons of C02, while providing discounted and predictable electricity costs over the next 25 years.
A partnership with Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund, Minnesota Public Utilities, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Region Five Development Commission, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, REAL Solar Design-Build, New Energy Equity LLC, Sourcewell, Widseth Smith Nolting, Kandiyo Consulting, and valued, local contractors is making this project a success. Site specific companies also involved with the project are Minnesota Power, Brainerd Public Utilities, Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative.
This solar project is the first major step toward a regional economic development goal to expand renewable energy capacity in the five-county region in central Minnesota. It is also leading to the expansion of local job training programs in the solar industry, building the region’s solar capacity, and helping the region’s remote rural K-12 and college students see how the sun can give them a career path to a much brighter future.
Read more about this project and its impact by reviewing the Solar Schools Report.
SOLAR SCHOOLS
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Pequot Lakes Schools Production Information
Pine River-Backus Schools Production Information
Central Lakes College Production Information:
CLC Ag Campus | CLC Brainerd Campus | CLC Main Campus | CLC West Campus
To learn more about renewable energy programs, please contact Erica Bjelland.