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Notice of Grant Contract Availability
Minnesota Solar for Schools Program Application
For Public Minnesota K-12 Schools and
State Colleges and Universities
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The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources seeks applications from qualified Minnesota schools for the Solar for Schools Grant Program. Independent and Special School Districts, Tribal Contract Schools, Cooperative School Districts, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are eligible to apply for one or more grants valued up to 40-70% of the System’s purchase and installation cost. Each district or college/university is eligible for grants up to $500,000 if outside Xcel territory and $675,000 if inside Xcel.
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APPLICATION INFORMATION:
This application is comprised of two (2) steps. The Readiness Assessment (“Assessment”) demonstrates a school’s readiness to proceed with System procurement. Grants are tentatively reserved at this stage for respondents whose Assessments are approved. Selected respondents will be invited to submit a Full Application. The grant award amount is finalized using project cost details and other factors submitted as part of the Full Application. The application timeline is as follows:
Step 1: Notice of Intent: School Readiness Assessment (completed by the school)
- Application Open: Tuesday, July 01, 2025
- Application Due: Thursday, July 31, 2025
- School Readiness Eligibility Notification: by Friday, August 29, 2025
Step 2: Full Grant Application (completed in coordination with developer or electric utility)
- Application Open: Upon Notification
- Application Due: Friday, November 28, 2025
The Request for Proposals (RFP) will have detailed instructions for submitting proposals as well as a full list of application questions and required forms and reference materials. It will be available for download on the Department’s RFP website through the deadline of July 31, 2025.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
In 2021, the Minnesota State Legislature established the Solar for Schools grant program (Minn. Stat. 216C.375). Administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources, the program was designed to promote the installation of solar energy systems on Minnesota schools, while using the opportunity to integrate renewable energy use into school curriculum. More information can be found on the Department’s Solar for Schools webpage.
This request does not obligate the State to complete the work contemplated in this notice. The State reserves the right to cancel this solicitation. All expenses incurred in responding to this notice are solely the responsibility of the responder.
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