# Minnesota Expands School Clean-Energy Grants

Minnesota’s Department of Commerce is expanding grant programs for school solar installations and electric buses, creating funding opportunities for school districts and potential work for solar, bus, charging-infrastructure, and technical-assistance providers. The Solar for Schools program has awarded or reserved nearly $32.6 million since launch; its second-round full applications are due Jan. 11, with awards expected by the end of February. The article does not specify the year for those dates. The Electric School Bus Grant Program has provided nearly $8.8 million to 10 districts for 23 buses.

- Solar and electric-bus suppliers, charging-infrastructure providers, and technical-assistance firms can engage with Minnesota school districts planning grant-supported projects.
- Procurement teams and prospective suppliers should account for the Solar for Schools application and award schedule; the source provides no solicitation contact.
- School District 622’s installations at Justice Alan Page, Richardson, and Carver elementary schools illustrate potential district-level solar project demand; nearly $675,000 in grants supported installations commissioned in 2025.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Transportation
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Minnesota Department of Commerce (Commerce)
- School District 622 (District 622)

### Key Quotes
> We are protecting the environment, capturing major fiscal savings and teaching our students how to lead into the future.
> — Christine Tucci Osorio, Superintendent, School District 622

### Sources
- [Electric buses, solar panels reshape Minnesota school districts | News | kimt.com](https://www.kimt.com/news/electric-buses-solar-panels-reshape-minnesota-school-districts/article_df51e8b5-bb36-490b-b910-efc6fb08e01f.html) - KIMT