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Solar & Wind News

By Greg Schweser    April 7th, 2016
Interested in experimenting with the University of Minnesota on passive solar greenhouse technology on your farm, community organization, or business in Greater Minnesota? Do you want to learn how to grow crops all year without relying on fossil fuels? Are you interested in helping others learn about sustainable agricultural production technology for year-round production? If so, then the University of Minnesota Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships want to help you build a deep winter greenhouse. These greenhouses are a passive solar, low-cost, low-carbon winter food... Continue reading
By Bill Mittlefehldt    April 5th, 2016
UMD and Lake Superior College (LSC) were each recently awarded technical assistance grants to learn more about the feasibility and economic assessment of installing solar photovoltaics on their campuses. Photovoltaic systems generate electricity by converting sunlight into direct current electricity. In support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot initiative, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) offered no-cost technical assistance to universities seeking to “go solar.” The program was designed to increase deployment of mid-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at... Continue reading
By Dept. of Commerce    March 30th, 2016
Affordable solar thermal systems are now within reach for more Minnesota homes and businesses. The Commerce Department announced that it will offer rebate opportunities beginning March 30, 2016 to all residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities as part of its Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program. Applications will be reviewed and funded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds have been fully reserved. Minnesota families may save up to $2,500, while businesses may save up to $25,000. “Solar thermal technology can take some of the unpredictability out of heating... Continue reading
By Bill Mittlefehldt    March 25th, 2016
Grand Marais Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux and the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC) installed Grand Marais’s first solar electric system recently. Owners of Art House Bed and Breakfast, Arrowsmith DeCoux and his family—wife Rose and son Ennis—are very involved in the community and they view the installation as a community statement (and basically the right thing to do). This blog post is a blend of an article about the installation in the Cook County News Herald and a post written by the Mayor about the whole process. The Arrowsmith DeCouxs first had to figure out... Continue reading
By Joel Haskard    March 24th, 2016
Interest in solar energy is rapidly expanding in Minnesota, and many homeowners are looking for good ways to pay for solar installations. Traditional financing options are not always a great fit for renewable energy systems, but a Minnesota organization has a new solar-specific program. We spoke with Lending Manager Jim Hasnik to learn more about Center for Energy and Environment Lending Center’s new Solar Loan. Tell us a little bit about your Solar Financing program.   Jim Hasnik: We’re excited to provide a new Residential Solar PV Loan Program for Minnesota... Continue reading
By Peter Lindstrom    March 17th, 2016
The Woodbury City Council took a giant leap into clean energy when they approved a community solar garden subscription at the March 9th council meeting. The agreement with Geronimo Energy locks in nearly $1.5 million in savings for the city over 25 years. This calculates to $57,000 annual savings on the city’s electric utility bill. Community Solar Garden’s allow organizations and residents the opportunity to participate in a shared offsite solar project within Xcel Territory. A community solar garden is a centrally located solar photovoltaic system that produces electricity... Continue reading

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