Solar for Schools
Solar for Schools supports Minnesota educational institutions in purchasing and installing solar photovoltaic systems while integrating renewable energy into school curriculum.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Commerce
Due Dates: March 2, 2026 (Round 1 readiness) | July 2, 2026 (Round 1 full application) | September 11, 2026 (Round 2 readiness) | January 11, 2027 (Round 2 full application)
Funding Amounts: $1.26–$2.70 per watt, capped at 70%–90% of project costs; cumulative district/college limits of $500,000 or $675,000
Summary: Supports solar system purchases and installations at eligible Minnesota schools while integrating renewable energy into curriculum.
Key Information: Only schools deemed ready are invited to submit full applications, which must be completed by their selected solar developer.
Description
Solar for Schools funds the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic systems at eligible Minnesota educational institutions. Established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2021 and launched in January 2022, the program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources. It promotes solar installations while using those projects to integrate renewable energy into school curriculum.
Support is tailored to school type, financial need, and system nameplate capacity. Schools first demonstrate readiness to pursue procurement, allowing Commerce to reserve funding for selected projects. Final awards reflect the project details and costs submitted in the full application. Commerce partners with Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) to offer free guidance throughout project planning, procurement, application preparation, curriculum development, and promotion.
