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2026 Solar for Schools grant application: New incentive rates

The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources seeks applications from qualified Minnesota schools for the Solar for Schools Grant program.

Independent and Special School Districts, Tribal Contract Schools, Cooperative School Districts, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are eligible to apply for one or more grants valued up to 70-90% of the System’s purchase and installation cost. Many schools can cover the remaining costs with federal funding or utility incentives.

Because of the popularity of the Solar for Schools Grant program, the MN Legislature nearly doubled its funding. Over 150 schools have received grants since the program's inception in 2021.

The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) is working with the Minnesota Department of Commerce to provide technical assistance to schools. CERTs is eager to support and guide you through the grant process, solar site selection, savings calculations, procurement options, and more. Visit our web page for schools to learn more.

Application Information

This application is comprised of two steps. The Readiness Assessment demonstrates a school’s readiness to proceed to procurement. The total maximum grant is reserved at this stage for selected respondents and is calculated by multiplying the applicable grant rate by the nameplate capacity of the system specified in the Assessment. Grant rates are determined by school type, financial need, and system size and range from $0.84 to $2.70 per watt.

[ Total Maximum Grant ($) = System Size (kWdc) X 1000 X Grant Rate ($/w)]

Selected respondents will be invited to submit Full Applications. The final grant value is determined using project details submitted in the Full Application.

Step 1: Notice of Intent: School Readiness Assessment (completed by the school)

  • Application Open: Monday, February 02, 2026
  • Application Due: Monday, March 02, 2026
  • School Readiness eligibility notification (goal): by Friday, April 03, 2026

Step 2: Full Grant Application (completed in coordination with developer or electric utility)

  • Application Open: upon notification
  • Application Due: Thursday, July 02, 2026

The Request for Proposals (RFP) includes comprehensive application requirements, relevant eligibility and incentive details, instructions for submitting proposals, a full list of application questions, and required forms and reference materials. It will be available for download on the Department’s RFP website through the Full Application deadline of July 02, 2026.

More Resources

Looking for more information? Check out this January 2026 webinar featuring state and school leaders who highlight how solar is helping their schools lower utility bills and prepare students to be energy decision-makers.

Solar for Schools Grant Program

Solar for Schools

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