Olmsted County awarded state grant to support solar energy projects on public buildings

The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has accepted funding through the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Building Grant Program, a statewide initiative supporting the installation of solar energy systems on public buildings across Minnesota.

The program aims to reduce long-term energy costs while advancing statewide sustainability goals. 

• The State of Minnesota awarded Olmsted County grant funding for eight solar projects, including: 
• Three at the Public Works Service Center. 
• One at the new Graham Park exhibition center. 
• Two at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo. 
• Two at Chester Woods Park. 

The combined project value is approximately $543,942, with the state grant covering up to 70% of costs ($380,759.40). An additional $163,182.60 is expected from the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) program. The county plans to file for this reimbursement in 2026, with funds anticipated in 2027. 

In 2023, Olmsted County adopted its first Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive framework to reduce greenhouse emissions and strengthen resilience against climate impacts. The plan includes 31 measurable activities across five focus areas: building and energy, natural resources, people, transportation, and waste management. Expanding renewable energy adoption in county facilities, such as these new solar projects, is a key component of the plan. 

"We are proud to be among the first local governments in Minnesota’s Solar on Public Buildings Program to install solar panels,” said Olmsted County Director of Facilities and Building Operations Mat Miller. “Solar power will help reduce our building’s energy costs, so we have more money to invest in our community.” 

The new solar panels are expected to be installed beginning this fall/winter and should be completed by summer 2026.