Solar on Public Buildings

Saint Anthony Village is adding rooftop solar to help power two city buildings and benefit our community now and into the future. Our city is one of 18 local governments across the state to receive grants from the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Program.

The Solar on Public Buildings grant was awarded for the Public Works Facility and Water Treatment Plant, covering a major portion of the total cost through grants and federal tax credits. 

The Solar on Public Buildings grant was awarded for the Public Works Facility and Water Treatment Plant and covers 60% of costs for each project. 30% of costs will be covered by direct pay tax credits from the federal government and the remaining 10% covered by city capital funds. 

The solar installation is expected to be completed and delivering power to both buildings by the end of 2025, pending a roof replacement at Public Works and the process to coordinate utility connection with Xcel Energy.

Benefits of the Solar on Public Buildings Program 

• Adding solar reduces energy costs.
• Our local economy benefits from investments made in  expanding our energy infrastructure, and from adding clean energy jobs, like solar installations. 
• Solar power helps reduce electricity-based greenhouse gas emissions.  
• Solar power adds “homegrown” renewable sources of energy to our building and the state’s electrical grid, since Minnesota currently imports 100% of its fossil fuels.