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Learn about technologies and projects that can work
for you and your community!
There are many different ways to get started and stay in the loop—whether you’re looking for information about a particular technology or about planning projects for your community, we have you covered. You can also browse our publications to find case studies, reports, and presentations that delve deeper into project models and specific issues. And our blog will help you stay current on what’s happening across the state in the clean energy realm.
Recent Blog Posts
Joel Haskard
Wed, 05/15/2013 - 11:55am
I had a chance to chat with WoodMaster co-founder and President Chuck Gagner about their biomass boilers and furnaces, and the industry here in Minnesota. Read on to hear what he had to say!
Joel Haskard: How do...
Jenna Lewein
Tue, 05/14/2013 - 12:22pm
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,...
MN Dept. of Commerce
Fri, 05/10/2013 - 11:47am
Short-term green energy training model shows great promise: A short-term green energy training program in northeastern Minnesota generated full-time, living wage jobs for seven grateful participants. But the...
Sarah Hayden
Thu, 05/09/2013 - 4:04pm
Crow Wing Power members are invited to participate in the Biggest Saver Challenge to use less electricity than they have in previous years—a contest which could win them a credit of $50, $100 or $250 off...
Trevor Drake
Wed, 05/08/2013 - 5:30pm
Saint Paul, MN—Over 150 people gathered at the Science Museum of Minnesota on April 17th to attend the annual Metro CERT Spring Resource and Networking Event. The night provided a chance to learn about emerging...
Current Solar Programs
Featured Case Study
Planning your own projects?
The success of any clean energy project depends on how you plan and utilize community, organizational, and financial resources. This is a place for you and your community members to learn from what others have done and strategize about how to accomplish your own clean energy project goals. Learn more
CERTs Supported Projects
CERTs awards mini-grants to community groups for energy efficiency and clean energy projects across Minnesota. We awarded grants in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010. The average amount is $5,000. We have descriptions and maps of all of the projects that we’ve funded. Check them out to see what folks are doing! See projects
Clean Energy Superheroes
Rebecca Lundberg and Dan Williams, the owners and operators of Powerfully Green in Champlin, MN, fly by night as Little Miss Sunshine and Watt Weenie. They’re big on solar, and look great in capes. Watch more heroes
Learning about technologies?
If you’re looking to learn more about a specific technology, like energy efficiency, solar, or wind, we have what you’re looking for. Our technology resources include everything from basic introductions and frequently asked questions to CERTs case studies to recent reports and organizations that can help you go deeper. Learn more
CERTs Documentary
CERTs is about to release a new documentary, ENERGIZED: Communities Building Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future. It’s is about the sparkplugs behind clean energy projects happening across the state, and the growing movement to determine our clean energy future that these communities are a part of. Learn more
Check out our Glossary
There are a lot of terms out there in the energy world that merit explanation, especially to someone who is new to energy in general, or to a specific field or technology. We’ve done our best, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, to provide helpful definitions for terms you run into on the CERTs website. Learn more
Recent Project Case Studies
The City of White Bear Lake has a robust, independently owned restaurant community – one that attracts guests from around the metro area.
Restaurants use more energy per square foot than any other commercial business. However, saving energy is possible, as Trish Appleby has demonstrated in her restaurant Donatelli’s Homemade Italian in White Bear Lake, MN.
The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) on the Hunt Utilities Group Research campus in Pine River, Minnesota, has been working to address energy poverty for over a decade.
Located in the Minnesota River valley just southwest of the Twin Cities, Chaska bills itself as “a quality small town.” As the city grows, it is committed to doing so responsibly to improve quality of life for its residents.
Cottage Grove, a city located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Saint Croix Rivers, was ready to make some energy efficiency improvements when a new financing opportunity from the Department of Energy was introduced.
Clean Energy Resource Teams