The city of Bemidji celebrates solar

In Bemidji, a warm mid-November afternoon felt more like September. The sun, a fitting guest of honor, graced the celebration of new solar panels.

In August, the city had 56 solar panels built on the roof of Bemidji’s Tourist Information Center. On Nov. 13, about 20 people – including city leaders, project partners and community members – gathered to hear speeches and admire the hard work to get these panels. 

In his opening remarks, Mayor Jorge Prince said that the solar array was the first to be built on a city-owned building.

The environmental impact of this solar array means 3.3 tons of carbon, which would be a byproduct of non-renewable energy, is removed from the air. This effort equals planting about 55 trees.

In addition to supplying all the energy used to power the Tourist Information Center, the panels give 1.9 megawatts of power back to the energy grid. For its contribution in the past two months, the city has received $300.

Real Solar, a Minnesota solar contractor, installed the panels. The total cost of the project was $77,851. Otter Tail Power, one of the city’s electric utilities, lessened the cost by providing a large rebate. In front of the crowd, Otter Tail Power presented a check for $30,744.

City Councilor At-Large Audrey Thayer, a key champion for this project, credited community members for supporting her vision to bring renewable energy to Bemidji.

“I’m an Indigenous American, and our love for the land and the earth and the water and the air is critical,” said Thayer, who ran for city council on a platform embracing sustainability. “I have so much gratitude for the staff, the commission, and the council for supporting this initiative that was my dream.”