Minneapolis Parks Moves Forward with Seven Solar Energy Projects

On Wednesday, December 4, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners passed a resolution that identified seven MPRB sustainable solar energy projects to be completed by 2015 through an Xcel Energy solar grant of more than $969,000.

The grant from Xcels Renewable Development Fund (RDF) will be joined with a $100,000 MPRB match from the Sustainability Fund and $50,000 of in-kind (staff time) match.

"We are thrilled that these solar projects will lower our carbon emissions and reduce our costs," said MPRB President John Erwin. "I want to thank Xcel Energy for its community leadership and generous grant program, which is enabling the Park Board to continue moving forward with our sustainability initiatives into the future."

Through a competitive selection process, the MPRB was one of only 20 projects out of 67 applications to receive funding. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will approve the slate of Xcel recommendations in December.

"I am very pleased to see that the approved projects will result in solar energy sites at parks in each of our six commissioner districts across the city," said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. "This grant will allow the MPRB to keep on maintaining dynamic and sustainable Minneapolis parks that meet the surrounding communities diverse and growing needs."

Xcel Energy recommended full funding of MPRBs grant request for at least 200 kilowatts (kW) of solar panels from Xcels RDF

The MPRB proposal is for one 150 kW roof-mounted solar array on the Parade Ice Garden rooftop as the major installation. Smaller, unique demonstration projects will be occur at the Jim Lupient Water Park, Webber Park, East Phillips Park, Lake Calhoun refectory area, Lake Nokomis main beach, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park with Powderhorn Park and Columbia Golf Course as alternate sites.

Installations are expected to be completed by 2015.

"These solar projects will assist our efforts to ensure that our parks keep up with the evolving city and neighborhoods around them," said President Erwin. "I am excited that we will see lowered carbon emissions and reduced costs for the MPRB which will give our staff opportunities to direct funds towards additional programs and activities for families in the parks."

Annually, the combined projects will produce roughly 280,000 kilowatt hours, offset 400,000 pounds of carbon, and at todays rates, lower MPRB electricity bills by approximately $28,000.

This project will also include interpretive and educational programming opportunities about sustainable solar energy for both children and adults in Minneapolis parks.

Contact

Questions from the media:
Robin Smothers
Communications and Marketing
Email: rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org
Office: 612-230-6410

Questions from the public:
Bruce Chamberlain
Assistant Superintendent for Planning
bchamberlain@minneapolisparks.org
Office: 612-230-6467