Southeast Clean Energy Resource Team (SE CERT) is hosting an exciting free energy event Tuesday, May 21st, 2013 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Cascade Meadow Wetlands & Environmental Science Center in Rochester, Minnesota. Join us as we hear from organizations in the Southeast region that have taken action to complete innovative seed grant projects.
Register for this free event online at http://seseedgrant.eventbrite.com or call 612-626-0555.
We’ll learn about:
- A geothermal greenhouse project at Whitewater Gardens Farms in Altura, Minnesota – Sandy and Lonny Deitz used the CERTs seed grant money they received to research growing methods that would allow them to grow crops year-round. In a wintery state like Minnesota, their current set-up of a geothermal-powered greenhouse has allowed them to maintain a source of income year-round while providing customers with fresh produce regardless of the season. It’s a win-win situation that creates more economic opportunities for the Deitzs and answers the consumer demand for locally-grown foods even in the harsh winter.
- A student-led 4kW solar PV project in Olmstead County – This project aims to install a 4kW solar PV system on the local high school to reduce energy costs, educate students on alternative energy solutions, and act as a pilot project to show that students can lead the way and work with school districts and power companies for sensible energy solutions. The latest estimates show that over 30 years the system will offset over 30,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 1,800 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 1,440 pounds of nitrous oxide; in addition to saving the school district at least 5000 kWh annually in energy bills.
- Make Mine Solar, coordinated by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society – The goal of the Make Mine Solar program was to both increase consumer awareness around solar thermal technologies and decrease the implementation barriers that often impede solar installations. The program was developed to walk a consumer through the steps of purchasing solar in a non-biased manner while also providing great deals on equipment and labor costs. MRES planned to increase awareness and education through free workshops and low-cost site assessments. They planned to reduce barriers by pre-approving local installers, setting a price for the average system, and assisting potential customers in streamlining the permitting process. MRES collaborated with local energy groups and utilities to host workshops and recruit potential participants.
- The Northfield Neighborhood Investment Project by Three Rivers Community Action – In Northfield, Minnesota there is a pilot Neighborhood Investment Project. It is a home energy improvement and neighborhood revitalization program that provides a one stop shop for residential energy efficiency upgrades available to homeowners of all incomes. Three Rivers is working with partner Community Action Agencies to develop a regional and statewide plan for the program in order to help improve the energy efficiency of all Minnesota households.
To learn more and register for this free May 21st event in Rochester, visit http://seseedgrant.eventbrite.com or call 612-626-0555.
