A Minnesota Solar grant, federal tax credits and third-party investor Standard Solar paid for a nearly $2.6 million solar panel installation in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, that was officially unveiled this week. The city, in partnership with Standard Solar, worked with Apex Efficiency Solutions to install the largest solar project in the area.
“Back in 2015, we worked closely with the community to decide where we want the City of Brooklyn Park to go. It was clear they want the city to be a leader in environmental sustainability,” said Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeffrey Lunde. “Four years later, we are proud to say we were able to complete this project without any cost burden on taxpayers.”
The solar panels are located at three operations and maintenance buildings, the Community Activity Center, police station, central fire station and the water treatment plant. The panels installed generate more than 1.5 MW of electricity per year. The city also entered into several solar garden agreements with Xcel Energy, which brings the city to 100% sustainable energy for city facilities including buildings, streetlights and sewer lift stations.
“We should be running toward green energy solutions, not away from them, and I’m proud of the leadership and innovation that is happening right here in Brooklyn Park,” said Congressman Dean Phillips. “It’s extraordinary what we can accomplish when local, state, federal and private entities join together. Our community will emerge stronger — environmentally and economically — through these investments, and will light the way for others to follow.”
With the solar panel installation, taxpayers will save $60,000 in electricity in 2020 and more than $5.5 million over 25 years.
To see video of the installation check out the Brooklyn Park Youtube page.
News item from Standard Solar
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