ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners has accepted funding from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Solar on Public Building Grant Program.

This initiative supports solar energy system installations on public buildings across the state to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. Olmsted County received grant funding for eight solar projects, including installations at the Public Works Service Center, Graham Park exhibition center, Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, and Chester Woods Park.

The total project value is approximately $543,942, with the state grant covering up to 70% of the costs. An additional $163,182.60 is expected from the federal Inflation Reduction Act program, with reimbursement anticipated in 2027.

Olmsted County adopted its first Climate Action Plan in 2023, which includes 31 activities to reduce greenhouse emissions. Expanding renewable energy in county facilities is a key component of this plan.

“We are proud to be among the first local governments in Minnesota’s Solar on Public Buildings Program to install solar panels,” said Mat Miller, Olmsted County Director of Facilities and Building Operations. “Solar power will help reduce our building’s energy costs, so we have more money to invest in our community.”

The solar panels are expected to be installed starting this fall and completed by summer 2026.