Kandiyohi County’s oldest town embraces solar innovation

New London is part of a growing number of communities taking advantage of Minnesota’s Solar on Public Buildings program. 

“In 2023, the state allocated funds for this program to help local governments install solar arrays,” explains Aaron Backs, a program coordinator with the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs). “Grant sizes are based on each community’s financial need. So some local governments can have 100% of the costs covered.”

Specifically, the program supports communities situated in Xcel Energy’s service territory, which includes hundreds of Minnesota cities, townships, counties, public housing authorities, tribal nations, and watershed districts. CERTs was called in to provide support and technical assistance to interested cities and communities. 

“We initially helped to spread the word. We actually reached out to every single eligible entity, including cities and tribal nations,” recalls Backs. “It was a lot of emails and cold-calling!”

CERTs offered one-on-one support throughout the process, answering questions and helping with applications. New London was one of the communities that benefited from this hands-on guidance.

“They were especially helpful in answering questions and organizing bid proposals we received from contractors,” says Dahl. And the results of the program are impressive. 

“So far, everyone who has applied has received a grant!” Backs says with pride.

New London was among the first to receive funding from Minnesota’s Solar on Public Buildings program, and the program’s momentum continues to grow. The second round funding window recently closed and a third round set to open in spring 2025.

“Some local governments spend years working to get solar,” says Backs. “This program is a really cool opportunity to expedite the process for cities considering it for the first time.”

Backs notes that public buildings are a perfect place to showcase the value of clean energy. 

“These panels will be installed on municipal buildings, which are highly visible to the public. Citizens can see that their local government is serious about clean energy.”

New London is already preparing its municipal buildings for installation, with plans to complete the project by fall 2025. In the meantime, the city has been busy pursuing additional grants for solar, and the local school was recently awarded funds for solar panels!

Backs says New London is a perfect example of how CERTs is working to support change on a community level.

“We’re excited to help cities take their first steps toward solar. Once they start seeing the successes and savings, we hope they’ll feel inspired and equipped to keep moving forward,” says Backs. “CERTs’ goal is to guide them through the initial process so they can confidently continue taking advantage of clean energy!”