Best Practice Action 26.5
GreenStep City Best Practices: Resilient Economic and Community Development
Renewable Energy No. 26
Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 5
Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.
- See also resources under action 26.6.
- The Great Plains Institute and Clean Energy Resource Team work with a group of cities - the Community Energy Network - interested in increasing access to renewable energy.
Procurement:
- CERTs provides a local government solar procurement guide (2019), and direct technical assistance for solar procurement.
- The Office of Enterprise Sustainability has a master contract for solar energy procurement.
- The MN Division of Energy Resources, through the Local Government Technical Assistance Program helps jurisdictions assess how to approach and advance a clean energy project including insights on methods of contracting, issuing requests for proposals, and providing independent third-party proposal review.
- Low-interest funding for projects $100,000 or more is available to jurisdictions through the Energy Savings Partnership.
- The Clean Energy Resource Teams provides assistance to K-12 schools interested in solar procurement as well as guidance, case studies and resources.
- Solar for Schools and Solar on Public Buildings grants are available to help stimulate the installation of solar energy systems.
- Public entities can utilize Elective/Direct Pay to benefit from federal tax credits available for renewable energy projects.
Models:
- The Morris Model is a partnership of the City, County, University of Minnesota - Morris, and the Schools District with the goal for producing 80% of county-wide energy from renewable sources by 2030. A Conservative Farm Town Went Green Without Really Trying (Wall Street Journal, 2024)
- Elk River is notable, being known as Energy City since 1997, showcasing efficient and renewable energy technologies such as solar PV, landfill gas-energy, a wind turbine, geothermal, etc.
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Describe any public sector project and report installed capacity in kW. Report city purchase of green tags and community solar garden subscriptions under BPA 15.2; report purchases that support local, Minority, Disability, and Women-Owned businesses under BPA 15.3; report wastewater biogas projects under BPA 20.6; solid waste anaerobic digestion under BPA 22.5; geothermal under BPA 1.7; brightfield projects under BPA 25.5. |
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Install at least two different RE technologies and report installed capacity in kW; report municipal utility ownership; report city council direction to its muni (via board appointments, annual goals/reports/funding) to accelerate work on city clean energy goals; show that a RE installation has shaved on peak energy demand and allowed the monthly utility demand charge to be decreased; report installed battery storage. |
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Install RE capacity in excess of 100 kW; report combined heat and power generation, parking lot PV canopies, pollinator habitat under a PV array. |
Who's doing it
Brainerd -
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Brainerd Public Utility has an 8.9 KW rooftop solar unit at their offices. The city also owns and operates a 3.3 Megawatt Hydro facility.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ostgarden (City staff) | mostgarden@ci.brainerd.mn.us | 218-828-2309
Partners:
Eden Prairie -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
The City of Eden Prairie has installed 720.46 kW on-site solar at four city facilities. 239.8 kW of rooftop and ground-mount solar is installed at the Water Treatment Plant, 99.9 kW at the Maintenance Facility, 366 kW at City Center, and 14.76 at the Community Center. Total production average is 939.5 MWh/year from the solar, and the city owns the renewable energy credits from the majority of the production. A geothermal system is also installed at the new Round Lake Park Building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.edenprairie.org/community/sustainable-eden-prairie/energy/renewable-energy
For more information contact:
Jennifer Fierce (City Staff) | jfierce@edenprairie.org | 952-949-8313
Partners:
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
In 2016, a one megawatt ground mounted solar PV project was installed to provide power to Black Bear Casino and resort. At peak irradiance, this project can meet 50% of Black Bear's energy needs.
A 1.7MMbtu biomass boiler was constructed at the Sawyer community center. Self sourced woodchips replace 88% of the center's propane use which is the most common heating source in Fon du Lac.
A new resource management building was constructed in 2010 which along with being the first LEED certified building in Carleton County, features a 12.25 kilowatt solar PV array.
A 3kw solar electric system was installed at the Ojibwe School Pow Wow grounds.
A 1.7MMbtu biomass boiler was constructed at the Sawyer community center. Self sourced woodchips replace 88% of the center's propane use which is the most common heating source in Fon du Lac.
A new resource management building was constructed in 2010 which along with being the first LEED certified building in Carleton County, features a 12.25 kilowatt solar PV array.
A 3kw solar electric system was installed at the Ojibwe School Pow Wow grounds.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Renewables are meeting a small but growing percentage of Fon du Lac's energy needs and in addition to building retrofitting and reducing our total energy use, have helped to reduce our use of fossil fuels by almost 40% since 2007. In 2007, the reservation business committee signed an accord to reduce our use of fossil fuels by 20% by 2020, which we have surpassed.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Shannon Judd (City Staff) | shannonjudd@fdlrez.com | 218-878-7123
Partners:
Hutchinson -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
In November of 2015, the City of Hutchinson completed construction on a 400 kW solar array on a municipally owned brownfield (see Best Practice Action 20.5). The array is hooked into the City’s wastewater treatment facility where it provides a portion of the plants electricity. The project was partially funded by an Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund grant and developed by Amaresco. The panels are tenK solar panels and were installed by Hunt Electric.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
John Paulson (City staff) | jpaulson@ci.hutchinson.mn.us | 320-234-5682
Partners: Amaresco; tenK colar; Hunt Electric; Xcel Energy
La Crescent -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
La Crescent has many areas where solar PV has been installed. There are links to monitor these solar PVs at different locations on the city website.
ANIMAL RESCUE PV - 20kw
MAINTENANCE PV - 40kw
RADIUM PLANT PV - 40kw
FIRE DEPARTMENT PV - 39.76kw
ANIMAL RESCUE PV - 20kw
MAINTENANCE PV - 40kw
RADIUM PLANT PV - 40kw
FIRE DEPARTMENT PV - 39.76kw
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov/city-of-la-crescent-sustainability/
For more information contact:
Jason Ludwigson (Contractor) | JDLudwigson@gmail.com | 5073139633
Partners:
Marshall -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
Marshall Municipal Utilities entered into a joint partnership with its wholesale power provider and a private developer to construct 18.7 MW of wind generation near Marshall in 2007. The 9 wind turbines generation output is fed directly into MMUs distribution system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Annual kWh production from the 9 turbines is approximately 62,640,000 kWhs, enough energy to power about 5,800 homes per year. Marshall Municipal utilities has a 20 year contract in place to receive a portion of the turbines output.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Antony (City staff) | MarkA@marshallutilities.com | (507) 537-7005
Partners: Marshall Municipal Utilities
Moorhead -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
Capture the Energy is an award winning renewable energy program that was developed by Moorhead Public Service to promote all forms of renewable energy. Capture the Energy programs include:
1) Wind Turbines: Each wind turbine (2 – Zepher and Freedom) are rated at 750 kilowatts (kW) and produce approximately 1,500,000 kilowatthours (kWh) of energy per year. Generation of electricity starts at a wind speed of 8 mph.
2) Solar Demonstration Project: The solar photovoltaic (PV) modules convert sunlight directly into electricity. The electricity is converted from direct current electricity (DC) to alternating current (AC) electricity and is then injected into the electrical distribution grid. Solar PV Modules (Size 3’x5’/Rated at .220 kW). Solar Arrays (Size 12’x20’, Rated at 3.52 kW)- Vertical and horizontal [dual axis] tracking capability, 16 solar PV modules per solar array, Total generation of all three arrays equals 10.56 kW, designed to withstand 90 mph winds and one-inch hail.
The Capture the Energy Participant program allows residents and businesses to contribute financially to support wind and solar energy to examine, educate, and promote other viable renewable energy technologies locally.
1) Wind Turbines: Each wind turbine (2 – Zepher and Freedom) are rated at 750 kilowatts (kW) and produce approximately 1,500,000 kilowatthours (kWh) of energy per year. Generation of electricity starts at a wind speed of 8 mph.
2) Solar Demonstration Project: The solar photovoltaic (PV) modules convert sunlight directly into electricity. The electricity is converted from direct current electricity (DC) to alternating current (AC) electricity and is then injected into the electrical distribution grid. Solar PV Modules (Size 3’x5’/Rated at .220 kW). Solar Arrays (Size 12’x20’, Rated at 3.52 kW)- Vertical and horizontal [dual axis] tracking capability, 16 solar PV modules per solar array, Total generation of all three arrays equals 10.56 kW, designed to withstand 90 mph winds and one-inch hail.
The Capture the Energy Participant program allows residents and businesses to contribute financially to support wind and solar energy to examine, educate, and promote other viable renewable energy technologies locally.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.mpsutility.com/index.php/renewable-energy/333-capture-the-sun-community-solar-garden
For more information contact:
Dan Mahli (City staff) | dan.mahli@cityofmoorhead.com | 218-299-5314
Partners:
North Saint Paul -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City installed a Wind generator at the Public Works Facility. North St. Paul is one of 11 Minnesota cities to have a wind turbine to create clean, renewable electricity under the “Hometown WindPower” program.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Hometown WindPower turbine has a capacity of 160 kilowatts.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Lisa Ritchie (City Staff) | lisa.ritchie@northstpaul.org | 651-747-2440
Partners: MMPA
Saint Cloud -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
A Solar Initiative was adopted by the City Council in 2015. Since then, 4 solar arrays have been constructed on City property. A biofuel recovery project was completed at the St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
438,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity are being generated from the 4 installed solar arrays. The biofuel recovery project will generate 5,000,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tracy Hodel (City staff) | tracy.hodel@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 3202557226
Partners: Cedar Creek Energy, TruNorth, Apex Efficiency Solutions Inc
Willmar -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The city of Willmar has 2 wind turbines.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
2011 WMU Wind Production
5,295,821 Kwh from Jan to Sept
(2)Turbines at 1.9000 Megawatts each
5,295,821 Kwh from Jan to Sept
(2)Turbines at 1.9000 Megawatts each
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://wmu.willmar.mn.us/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=220
For more information contact:
Sara Sietsema (City Staff) | ssietsema@willmarmn.gov | 320-235-4760
Partners:
Arlington -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Via a grant from MMPA, a 160 kW wind turbine was built in the City's northeast industrial park.
Via a 2016 grant from MMPA a 5kW solar panel will be installed at the Sibley East High School. The Grant allows MMPA to teach youth first-hand about how sunlight is converted into electricity, and the unique characteristics of solar power. The solar panels are proposed to be placed on the south side of the Arlington building along the pool wall which would serve as an outdoor classroom. The panels will produce five kilowatts of electricity which is enough to power 10-12 classrooms.
Via a 2016 grant from MMPA a 5kW solar panel will be installed at the Sibley East High School. The Grant allows MMPA to teach youth first-hand about how sunlight is converted into electricity, and the unique characteristics of solar power. The solar panels are proposed to be placed on the south side of the Arlington building along the pool wall which would serve as an outdoor classroom. The panels will produce five kilowatts of electricity which is enough to power 10-12 classrooms.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In addition to providing local and renewable energy, these turbines and solar panels help community members learn about the benefits and operating characteristics of wind and solar power.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Annie Shotliff (City staff) | ashotliff@arlingtonmn.com | 507-964-2378
Partners: MMPA, Kimberly Lillyblad
Duluth -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
2019 Update: Hartley Nature Center has a geothermal heat pump, in addition to 13.1kW solar capacity. The city has also installed a 45kW solar array in Canal Park the provides shade to parked cars as well as powering the EV charges located below it. The city owned steam plant recently transitioned to Natural Gas and is in the process of upgrading their equipment to change from forced steam to a closed loop water system.
4.33 kW of photovoltaics were installed at the Lester Park Chalet, offsetting electrical consumption of the nearby cross-country ski trail lighting.
4.33 kW of photovoltaics were installed at the Lester Park Chalet, offsetting electrical consumption of the nearby cross-country ski trail lighting.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Jackson, Energy Coordinator (City staff) | ajackson@DuluthMN.gov | 218-730-4433
Partners:
East Grand Forks -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
East Grand Forks South Point Elementary School was awarded the Hometown Solar Grant Award from Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) in 2017. This grant provided an installation of a 5 kW solar panel at their facility. The purpose of the grant is to educate the community and students on how sunlight can be converted into electricity.
East Grand Forks Water and Light Department collaborated with Minnesota Municipal Power Agency on becoming a city member to install a local 160 kW wind turbine in 2010. The wind turbine has been recently updated and maintained to continue operating efficiently as of 2020.
East Grand Forks Water and Light Department collaborated with Minnesota Municipal Power Agency on becoming a city member to install a local 160 kW wind turbine in 2010. The wind turbine has been recently updated and maintained to continue operating efficiently as of 2020.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Kevin Hatcher (City Staff) | khatcher@egf.mn | 218-773-1163
Partners: Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and East Grand Forks South Point Elementary
Elk River -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City has installed a Vestas 660kW wind turbine on the outskirts of town. It is used both as a power source and as a demonstration site for Energy City.
Elk River Municipal Utilities also owns and operates a Landfill Gas-to-Electricity Power Plant at the Elk River Landfill. The facility harvests the methane produced by the decomposing waste to produce 3.2 MegaWatts of electricity, or enough power for over 2000 Elk River homes.
Elk River Municipal Utilities also owns and operates a Landfill Gas-to-Electricity Power Plant at the Elk River Landfill. The facility harvests the methane produced by the decomposing waste to produce 3.2 MegaWatts of electricity, or enough power for over 2000 Elk River homes.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The Vestas wind generator puts out about 950,000 kWhs per year, or about 0.38% of Elk River's energy usage.
The Landfill Gas Power Plant puts out about 27,000,000 kWhs power year, or about 11% of Elk River's energy usage.
The Landfill Gas Power Plant puts out about 27,000,000 kWhs power year, or about 11% of Elk River's energy usage.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://elkriverenergycity.org/ed_demo10.html
For more information contact:
Amanda Bednar (City staff) | ABednar@ElkRiverMN.gov | 763-635-1068
Partners:
Grand Marais -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
City Solar Installation. Gunflint Hills Solar is a public solar installation at the City-owned golf course. This project was a partnership between the City of Grand Marais, Cook County, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRRB) and CCLEP.
Gunflint Hills Solar was installed during the fall of 2012 with a monitoring system installed in the fall of 2013. Average energy production is approximately 750 - 800 kWh per month which is enough electricity to power 2-3 typical homes without electric heat. The system has a 7.41 kilowatt, pole-mounted, grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system with these components:
Thirty-nine 190-watt panels by Silicon Energy
MOUNTS multi-pole single axis tracker
3 & 5-kilowatt Power One Aurora Inverters
A two directional meter
A monitoring system
Output is posted to the CCLEP website and is updated monthly at http://www.cookcountylocalenergy.org/groups/solar/gunflint-hills-solar
The system in "grid tied" meaning the electricity from the solar panels flows into the electrical grid that carries the electricity throughout the county. Savings to date are 25,000 kW-hrs, $3,050 and 26.2 tons of CO2. The meter at the Clubhouse can spin two directions depending on panel output and Clubhouse use. Any excess goes into the grid and is credited on the City of Grand Marais' electrical bill from provider Arrowhead Cooperative.
City Campground Solar Thermal - A five-panel solar hot water system was installed on Bathhouse #4 in the City campground in 2011.
Gunflint Hills Solar was installed during the fall of 2012 with a monitoring system installed in the fall of 2013. Average energy production is approximately 750 - 800 kWh per month which is enough electricity to power 2-3 typical homes without electric heat. The system has a 7.41 kilowatt, pole-mounted, grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system with these components:
Thirty-nine 190-watt panels by Silicon Energy
MOUNTS multi-pole single axis tracker
3 & 5-kilowatt Power One Aurora Inverters
A two directional meter
A monitoring system
Output is posted to the CCLEP website and is updated monthly at http://www.cookcountylocalenergy.org/groups/solar/gunflint-hills-solar
The system in "grid tied" meaning the electricity from the solar panels flows into the electrical grid that carries the electricity throughout the county. Savings to date are 25,000 kW-hrs, $3,050 and 26.2 tons of CO2. The meter at the Clubhouse can spin two directions depending on panel output and Clubhouse use. Any excess goes into the grid and is credited on the City of Grand Marais' electrical bill from provider Arrowhead Cooperative.
City Campground Solar Thermal - A five-panel solar hot water system was installed on Bathhouse #4 in the City campground in 2011.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://www.cookcountynews-herald.com/news/2012-11-24/Front_Page/Solar_panels_installed_at_Gunflint_Hills_Golf_Cour.html
For more information contact:
Shane Steele (Contractor) | sustainability@grandmarais.city | 507-884-5790
Partners:
Granite Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City in 2017 has approved to install a Solar Panel in Highland Park that will tap into our electrical system. The City of Granite Falls is a electric utility provider. The City further will be selling solar subscriptions to residents who wish to partake in green energy. They City also has a Hydro-Electric Plant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Crystal Johnson (City staff) | crystal.johnson@granitefalls.com | 320-56-3011
Partners:
Bemidji -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
The City of Bemidji has installed 56 solar panels on top of the tourist information center. The panels give 1.9 megawatts of power back to the energy grid.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/story/city-bemidji-celebrates-solar
For more information contact:
Michelle Miller (City staff) | michelle.miller@ci.bemidji.mn.us | 218-759-3561
Partners:
Cologne -
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Cologne City Hall is heated and cooled via a geothermal field that was installed during the construction of the building in 2006.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jesse Dickson (City staff) | jessed@colognemn.com | 952-466-2064
Partners:
Crystal -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
With grants from Xcel Energy, Crystal installed solar panels on its City Hall, pool building and Community Center.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Mark Ray (City Staff) | mark.ray@crystalmn.gov | 6127606712
Partners: Xcel Energy
Detroit Lakes -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The Becker County EDA has a private solar array on our electric system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Bridget Penton (City Staff) | bpenton@cityofdetroitlakes.com | 218-846-7133
Partners:
Edina -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city of Edina received a 2011 grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) The grant was used to install a 24 KW photovoltaic solar system on City Hall. The project was approved at the 10-4-11 City Council meeting and was installed by 1-1-12. The solar panels save approximately $1,300/yr on energy costs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links: http://home.solarlog-web.net/953.html
For more information contact:
Partners:
Elko New Market -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City, along with Ideal Energies, will be constructing a 40 KW solar array to provide to City Hall and a 40 KW solar array for the Public Works Facility. Installation of both solar arrays was completed in 2021 and both are operational as of 4/29/2022.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Conservative estimated savings are $250,000 over the life of the array.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Jake Skluzacek (City Staff) | jskluzacek@ci.enm.mn.us | 952-461-2777
Partners: Xcel Energy, Ideal Energies
Fergus Falls -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Wastewater Treatment Plant in Fergus Falls burns methane (biogas) at our plant.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Len Taylor (City Staff) | len.taylor@fergusfallsmn.gov | 218-332-5418
Partners:
Golden Valley -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
In 2015 Golden Valley added two photo voltaic arrays on public buildings that were funded through partnerships with the Made in Minnesota Solar program and power purchasing agreements with New Energy Equity (NEE). The Public Safety Building has a 40 kW capacity grid and the Park Maintenance Building has a 40 kW capacity grid both owned and operated by Sundial Solar. The City buys power from Sundial at a rate that is lower than what is offered by Xcel Energy ($0.085/kWh as opposed to $0.11/kWh). In the event that there is excess energy, it is pumped into the Xcel power grid and the City receives a credit on its monthly Xcel statement. The reduction in carbon emissions resulting from these arrays is helping the City meet its goals as outlined in the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.
In 2016 the City committed to installing two additional solar projects: a 40 kW capacity grid on the Utility Maintenance Building and a 40 kW capacity grid on the Streets Maintenance Building. Both arrays will be maintained and operated by Sundial Solar. The systems are expected to fulfil 75% of the Utility Maintenance Building’s power and 100% of the Streets Maintenance Building’s power.
In 2016 the City committed to installing two additional solar projects: a 40 kW capacity grid on the Utility Maintenance Building and a 40 kW capacity grid on the Streets Maintenance Building. Both arrays will be maintained and operated by Sundial Solar. The systems are expected to fulfil 75% of the Utility Maintenance Building’s power and 100% of the Streets Maintenance Building’s power.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In 2016, the total energy production of the two solar arrays combined was 86,300 kWh, diverting approximately 60.6 metric tons of Carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
Energy from solar was able to account for 13.63% of the Public Safety building's energy use, and 100% of the Parks Maintenance building's energy use.
In 2016, both solar arrays saved the City a total of $3,499.95 (an average of about $291 per month).
Energy from solar was able to account for 13.63% of the Public Safety building's energy use, and 100% of the Parks Maintenance building's energy use.
In 2016, both solar arrays saved the City a total of $3,499.95 (an average of about $291 per month).
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Tom Hoffman (City staff) | thoffman@goldenvalleymn.gov | (763) 593-8044
Partners: Xcel Energy, Made in Minnesota Solar, Sundial Solar
Hewitt -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Sponsored by MN Power. Solar panel array installed on the roof of the City Office.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Hewitt City receives a credit for energy generated, which then can be applied to the rest of the City's electric bill, resulting in a savings of about $1900 a year.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Alex Weego (Elected official) | cityofhewitt@arvig.net | 218-924-4343
Partners: MN Power & RREAL Solar
Kasson -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011 and then 2013
Implementation details:
2011 MN Office of Energy Security PV Solar Project- Local Government Renewable Energy Grant. A solar-panel Project was installed on City Hall. Payback for the City-portion of the project will be about 12 years. Solar panels were also installed on the new Kasson Aquatic Center in 2013.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Nancy Zaworski (City staff) | financedept@cityofkasson.com | 507-634-6321
Partners:
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
There are two solar furnace systems in place on the reservation. 35 m BTU and 24 m BTU.
The LLAP continues our sustainability efforts by working to install 200Kw solar PV on the
Reservation.
The LLAP continues our sustainability efforts by working to install 200Kw solar PV on the
Reservation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Brandy Toft (City staff) | air@lldrm.org | 218-335-7429
Partners: RREAL
Maplewood -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In Maplewood, there are three locations that have had solar cells installed as of 2019. The locations include the Nature Center, the Community Center, and City Hall The solar photovoltaic electrical systems installed by the City of Maplewood include two systems of approximately 39.96 kilowatts in nameplate capacity and a third that produces approximately 47,600 kWh annually. One of the systems is located on the rooftop of the city-owned Community Center building at 2100 White Bear Avenue in Maplewood, one is a solar awning on the south side of the Nature Center at 2659 E 7th St., and the other system is ground-mounted on a site adjacent to City Hall at 1830 County Road B East in Maplewood. All systems are grid connected through an agreement with Xcel Energy as the local utility provider, which also provided Solar Rewards and Made-in Minnesota Bonus rebates for the project. The energy produced by these photovoltaic panels is recorded within the cities B3 software.
The city of Maplewood also entered into a 25-year subscription to community solar in 2016. The City subscribed to 856,290 kWh, which is approximately 34 percent of the City's overall electrical use. The solar garden is located in Scandia, MN.
The city of Maplewood also entered into a 25-year subscription to community solar in 2016. The City subscribed to 856,290 kWh, which is approximately 34 percent of the City's overall electrical use. The solar garden is located in Scandia, MN.
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For more information contact:
Shann Finwall (City Staff) | shann.finwall@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2304
Partners: Xcel
Mounds View -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
As part of an Energy Saving Partnership with Trane, the City of Mounds View installed photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on top of City Hall and the Mounds View Community Center. The total installed capacity is 80kW between these two facilities. Generation statistics are displayed at each of these facilities via a monitor in the entry way. The city has realized savings based on this installed capacity since September 2016.
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2015 solar array installed on Community Center resulting in a 30% reduction in energy costs.
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For more information contact:
Nick Henly (City staff) | Nick.Henly@moundsviewmn.org | 763-717-4020
Partners:
Mountain Iron -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
The City has installed solar panels at City Hall/Community Center, the link provide the monitoring of those panels and energy created.
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Descriptive links: http://egauge3204.egaug.es/
For more information contact:
Craig Wainio (City staff) | cwainio@ci.mountain-iron.mn.us | 218-748-7570
Partners: Silicon Energy
Newport -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The city installed a solar garden at our public works site.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The city did not pay upfront but makes a monthly payment for the solar garden. The savings are substantial.
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For more information contact:
Deb Schulz (City staff) | dschulz@newportmn.com | 651-459-5677
Partners: Xcel Energy and Green Solar Leasing
Oakdale -
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The Oakdale City Council and Environmental Management Commission worked together to approve the installation of a 40 kW solar photovoltaic system on the City Hall facility in the Fall of 2011.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The solar PV system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,225 tons and save the city approximately $130,000 in energy costs over the 25-year life of the system.
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For more information contact:
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Partners: tenKsolar; Energy Alternatives
Pine River -
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Pine River-based Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) partnered with CERTs and Cass County to install solar-powered furnaces at the solid waste transfer station in Pine River. -Reported 3/8/11
RREAL solar hot air panel installed on the City of Pine River Ice Rink Warming Shed. 2/12
RREAL solar hot air panel installed on the City of Pine River Ice Rink Warming Shed. 2/12
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Descriptive links: http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/files/CERTsCaseStudy_Central_CassCountyTransfer.pdf
For more information contact:
Quinn Swanson (Community volunteer) | quinn@hugllc.com | 218-587-5001
Partners:
Red Wing -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014
Implementation details:
During 2013, the City of Red Wing began to install two solar panels at its Fire Station and Solid Waste Campus. An additional four solar panels were installed over the course of 2014. These solar electric projects will have an expected life of 40 years and are estimated to produce approximately $2,250,000.00 of electricity in that time. The total cost for all six projects will be $1,906,654.00. The cost for the City of Red Wing’s portion of these projects will be $166,753.00 or 9%. The remaining expenses were paid for with grants from Xcel Energy & the State of Minnesota, and financing investment from Newport Partners, LLC.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
These 6 solar panels produce 240,000 kWh over the course of the year which is approximately 3.6% of the City’s operational electrical consumption for the 2015 year.
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Descriptive links: http://www.red-wing.org/solarproject.html
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
Partners: Newport Parnters. LLC.
Richfield -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Throughout 2018, the City of Richfield pursued alternative energy opportunities available for improving municipal energy supply, culminating in the installation of several solar arrays at the end of the year. The contractor, iDeal Energies, installed 6 solar arrays (3 20 kw and 3 40 kw) on several public buildings, including liquor stores, Public Works, the pool, and ice arena. The city has the option to purchase the arrays after 14 years, during which the city will pay Green 2 Solar for electricity per a reduced rate on every Xcel bill. There is guaranteed savings or net zero on energy costs. Wood Lake Nature Center also has a 7 panel array, in operation for over 10 years, which produces 1 kw a year or 10% of the building's energy usage.
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For more information contact:
Chris Link (City staff) | clink@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619174
Partners: iDeal Energies, Green 2 Solar, Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program
Royalton -
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Implementation details:
The City of Royalton received the Local Government Renewable Energy Grant from the Office of Energy Secutiry to install a 7.5kw solar panel system on the roof of its city hall. The system is now fully operational and we can track the number of KWH produced by the panels. We will monitor and report to our citizens on a monthly basis starting in January 2012
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
We track the number of KWH produced on a monthly basis. We found that the inverter was not working and are having it replaced/repaired (May 7, 2012)
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Descriptive links: http://mn.gov/commerce/energy/topics/resources/Success-Stories/Cities-Counties-Schools/royalton_city_hall.jsp
For more information contact:
Andrea Lauer (Elected official) | mayor@royaltonmn.com | 320-630-2229
Partners: TenKsolar; Rural Renewable Energy Alliance; Sundial Solar
Savage -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
The McColl Pond Environmental Learning and Event Center (ELC) is powered by solar energy and geothermal systems for temperature regulations. The geothermal system was installed in 2009 and the solar energy system installation was completed in 2011.
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Descriptive links: https://www.cityofsavage.com/parks-recreation/facilities/mccoll-pond-environmental-learning-event-center-elc
For more information contact:
Jon Allen (City Staff) | jallen@cityofsavage.com | 9522243441
Partners:
Scandia -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
The City has worked with Novel Energy Systems to install a 40 kW solar system on the roof of the Fire / Public Works Building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The peak generation month to date was July, 2017 where 6.4kW was generated.
Descriptive File: view file
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For more information contact:
Neil Soltis (City staff) | n.soltis@ci.scandia.mn.us | 651-433-2274
Partners:
Shakopee -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
In 2016, the City of Shakopee, the Metropolitan Council, and CenterPoint Energy developed the Blue Lake Solar Center, a solar farm with a Standard Test Condition of 325 W and a total DC system rating of 1.638 MW, to supplement the energy requirements of the Blue Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant, which treats an average of 27-29 million gallons of wastewater per day. The system will provide approximately 10% of the annual power usage by producing approximately 1,720,000 kWh per year replacing the equivalent of 1.3 million pounds of coal. According to project reporting, the treatment facility and solar farm will offset the use of 1.25 MW and 1.0 MW of fossil fuel and additional power generation infrastructure as well as producing 2,195 MWh in year 1 of clean, renewable energy to the WWTP in Shakopee. The generation of biogas is estimated to offset an average of 1,690 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, the equivalent to removing 255 passenger vehicles from the road a year or 3 million miles driven by a single automobile. The Metropolitan Council projected and documented energy savings of 80,000 Dth/year is about 80% of the dryer’s pre-project energy consumption and reduces the mass of the solids loading to be dried by 30%. Additionally, the 1,720,000 kWh of solar energy is estimated to replace the release of over 56 pounds of N20 and 90 pounds of Methane. The total amount of energy produced by the 1.25 MW Facility will eliminate an estimated 2,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide, 70 pounds of N20 and 113 pounds of Methane.
The use of the anaerobic digestor produced energy savings equivalent to the annual gas usage of 900 residential customers per year and reduced consumption of purchased natural gas by 80%. The heat recovery system installed on the dryer scrubber system which allows the system to recover 1.85 MMBtu/hr of waste hot water from an odor control system to maintain the digester’s operating temperature of 98 F, eliminating all heating requirements of the digesters whenever the dryer is operating. The biogas will be used to fuel boilers for heating the control building.
The use of the anaerobic digestor produced energy savings equivalent to the annual gas usage of 900 residential customers per year and reduced consumption of purchased natural gas by 80%. The heat recovery system installed on the dryer scrubber system which allows the system to recover 1.85 MMBtu/hr of waste hot water from an odor control system to maintain the digester’s operating temperature of 98 F, eliminating all heating requirements of the digesters whenever the dryer is operating. The biogas will be used to fuel boilers for heating the control building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The system will provide approximately 10% of the annual power usage by producing approximately 1,720,000 kWh per year replacing the equivalent of 1.3 million pounds of coal. According to project reporting, the treatment facility and solar farm will offset the use of 1.25 MW and 1.0 MW of fossil fuel and additional power generation infrastructure as well as producing 2,195 MWh in year 1 of clean, renewable energy to the WWTP in Shakopee. The generation of biogas is estimated to offset an average of 1,690 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, the equivalent to removing 255 passenger vehicles from the road a year or 3 million miles driven by a single automobile. The Metropolitan Council projected and documented energy savings of 80,000 Dth/year is about 80% of the dryer’s pre-project energy consumption and reduces the mass of the solids loading to be dried by 30%. Additionally, the 1,720,000 kWh of solar energy is estimated to replace the release of over 56 pounds of N20 and 90 pounds of Methane. The total amount of energy produced by the 1.25 MW Facility will eliminate an estimated 2,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide, 70 pounds of N20 and 113 pounds of Methane.
The use of the anaerobic digestor produced energy savings equivalent to the annual gas usage of 900 residential customers per year and reduced consumption of purchased natural gas by 80%. The heat recovery system installed on the dryer scrubber system which allows the system to recover 1.85 MMBtu/hr of waste hot water from an odor control system to maintain the digester’s operating temperature of 98 F, eliminating all heating requirements of the digesters whenever the dryer is operating.
The energy savings from generating 10% of the WWTP's annual energy needs will be passed on to approximately 300,000 residents and businesses that pay the cost of wastewater treatment throughout the metro area.
The use of the anaerobic digestor produced energy savings equivalent to the annual gas usage of 900 residential customers per year and reduced consumption of purchased natural gas by 80%. The heat recovery system installed on the dryer scrubber system which allows the system to recover 1.85 MMBtu/hr of waste hot water from an odor control system to maintain the digester’s operating temperature of 98 F, eliminating all heating requirements of the digesters whenever the dryer is operating.
The energy savings from generating 10% of the WWTP's annual energy needs will be passed on to approximately 300,000 residents and businesses that pay the cost of wastewater treatment throughout the metro area.
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water/Publications-And-Resources/WASTEWATER/TREATMENT-PLANTS/ES_Bluelake2012_combined-pdf.aspx
For more information contact:
Andrew Boucher (City Staff) | info@shakopeemn.gov | 952-233-9300
Partners: Metropolitan Council, Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy,
White Bear Lake -
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
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Implementation details:
The City of White Bear Lake Public Works building has a 5KV photovoltaic system, built in an area that is easily viewed when inside the building.
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For more information contact:
Connie Taillon (City staff) | ctaillon@whitebearlake.org | 651-429-8564
Partners:
Woodbury -
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Geothermal is installed in City Hall, Public Safety, and the Bielenberg Sports Center (BSC). A 40 kW solar array is installed at the city’s Public Safety Building. City staff is also working on a contract to install a solar array at the existing Bielenberg Sports Center, in addition to a planned PV system on the new field house at BSC (to be completed in 2014).
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For more information contact:
Jennifer McLoughlin (City staff) | jmcloughlin@ci.woodbury.mn.us | 651-714-3522
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Melissa Birch, Co-Director, Clean Energy Resource Teams: 218/866-2338, pawl0048@umn.edu, www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org