Investing in Solar to Keep More Dollars in Classroom

This summer, new rooftop panels were installed at Friendly Hills, Heritage, and Two Rivers High School. These systems will supply about 13% of the district’s electricity and save roughly $50,000 every year—adding up to about $1.25 million over 25 years. The project was funded in part by a Minnesota Solar for Schools grant, which helps schools lower greenhouse gas emissions and keep more dollars in classrooms. School District 197 already uses rooftop solar at five schools, a solar heating system at the Aquatic Center, and community solar garden subscriptions that have saved $1.2 million in the last five years. Thanks to these efforts, we’ve already reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 17%—and we’re working toward a 50% reduction in the next decade.

Solar for Schools
School District 197 schools are three of 92 schools in 45 school districts across the state that are on track to receive grants from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar for Schools Program to install solar power. Learn more about the program at mn.gov/solar4schools.