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State grants expand solar and electric buses in schools

Written by TNNBot on

Minnesota is projected to reach 400 solar-powered schools by the end of 2026, and state grants have funded 23 electric school buses plus charging infrastructure for districts across the state.[1]

The Solar for Schools program has awarded or reserved roughly $32.6 million for nearly 25 megawatts of capacity and about 29 million kilowatt-hours of expected annual generation.[1] State officials estimate participating schools will save about $46 million on electricity over 20 years.

About 190 Minnesota schools had solar before January 2022, and state officials say the program will nearly double that number by the end of 2026. Since 2023 the state has granted nearly $8.8 million to 10 school districts for 23 electric buses and charging infrastructure. District 622 in North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale received about $675,000 for solar and more than $1.2 million for three electric buses and three charging stations.[1]

Full grant applications for the next Solar for Schools round are due Jan. 11, 2027, with awards expected by the end of February 2027.

  1. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
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📌 Key Facts

  • Minnesota is projected to reach 400 solar‑powered schools by the end of 2026, up from about 190 before January 2022.
  • The Solar for Schools program has awarded or reserved roughly $32.6 million, representing nearly 25 MW of capacity and 29 million kWh of expected annual generation.
  • State officials estimate participating schools will save about $46 million on electricity over 20 years.
  • Since 2023, Minnesota has granted nearly $8.8 million to 10 school districts for 23 electric school buses and charging infrastructure.
  • District 622 (North St. Paul–Maplewood–Oakdale) received about $675,000 for solar and more than $1.2 million for three electric buses and three charging stations.
  • Full grant applications for the next Solar for Schools round are due Jan. 11, 2027, with awards expected by the end of February 2027.

📰 Source Timeline (1)

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October 24, 2026
9:48 PM
Minnesota nearing 400 solar-powered schools, 23 electric school buses purchased
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul by [email protected] (Kilat Fitzgerald)