Standard Solar Provides Financing for Largest Solar Project of Any Minnesota City

Mayor Jeffrey Lunde announced the completion of the solar panel installation at city facilities. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Congressman Dean Phillips, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, all supporters of clean energy, joined the news conference to talk about the importance of this project.

"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 Mayor 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 Megawatts of electricity per year, which is enough to power about 200 households. 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. 

"I commend the city of Brooklyn Park for its leadership and vision," said Governor Walz. "The future of Minnesota's environment and economy relies on clean energy. Thank you to Mayor Lunde and the people of Brooklyn Park for moving Minnesota forward." 

A Minnesota Solar grant, federal tax credits and a third-party investor called Standard Solar paid for the nearly $2.6M solar panel installation. The city, in partnership with Standard Solar, worked with Apex Efficiency Solutions to install the largest solar project that any city has ever done.

"We should be running towards 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 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."

"The City of Brooklyn Park is a shining example of how our communities can take advantage of Minnesota's growing clean-energy economy to both save money and help reduce carbon pollution," said Minnesota House Speaker Hortman. "Climate change is one of the most significant threats to Minnesota's future economic growth and vitality, and we have a responsibility to be part of the solution. I'm pleased to be a Brooklyn Park resident and compliment the city on their leadership." 

With the solar panel installation, taxpayers will save $60,000 in electricity in 2020 and more than $5.5M over 25 years.

Standard Solar | www.standardsolar.com

Cedar Creek Energy | www.cedarcreekenergy.com

Apex Efficiency Solutions | www.apex-co.us