Lead paragraph
The City of Saint Paul is committed to expanding the use of renewable energy as it works toward achieving carbon neutrality in municipal operations by 2030.
City Buildings Powered by Solar Energy
Progress
On time
- Not started
- Planning
- In process
- Continuous
Description
Rooftop Solar for City Buildings
In 2011, the City installed 40-kW rooftop solar arrays on three of its buildings: Rondo Community Library, Western District Police Station, and the Public Works Municipal Garage using grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. A smaller 7.75-kW rooftop solar installation was also completed at the South Saint Anthony Recreation Center in 2011. Together, these rooftop solar arrays produced nearly 85,000 kWh of electricity during 2024.
Additionally, solar arrays provide electricity on several city-owned properties that are managed by third party entities - including CHS Field, the Saint Paul RiverCentre, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
The City will increase its use of on-site renewable energy by installing solar at several buildings in 2025. Saint Paul was one of 18 local governments that received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce during the first round of the Solar on Public Buildings Program.
The grant funds will support the installation of a 40-kW rooftop solar array at the North End Community Center in summer 2025. The City of Saint Paul is also expecting state grant funding for solar projects at Fire Station #3 and the Animal Services facility once those building renovations are completed in late 2025.
Community Solar for City Buildings
The City of Saint Paul has also supported solar energy development in the region by subscribing to off-site community solar gardens. About two dozen municipal buildings receive a portion of their electricity from community solar programs.
During 2024, the City of Saint Paul purchased more than 6300 MWh of electricity through these subscriptions to community solar gardens.