Public K-12 Independent and Special school districts (Type 1 and Type 3), as well as Minnesota colleges and universities, are eligible to apply for Solar for Schools grants. Per the statute, grants are awarded based on the financial need of the school, with projects receiving between 25–95% of the total project costs to install solar energy systems up to 40kWac.
For K-12 schools, the maximum allowable grant size is determined by the most recent Adjusted Net Tax Capacity (ANTC) divided by the Adjusted Pupil Unit (APU). Public K-12 schools are encouraged to visit the Solar for Schools website to determine grant eligibility as well as the maximum allowable grant size for their district.
For state colleges and universities, the maximum allowable grant is 40% of the system cost, up to $48,000.
In the first round of this grant, 45 schools received funding. Grant amounts were between $30,000 and $114,000.
To start the process, a School Readiness Assessment must be submitted by February 14, 2023. Widseth can help prepare the assessment. Contact us to secure a contract and get the process started.
Widseth is committed to enhancing our local educational partners.