Minneapolis gets grant to create solar energy

A $2 million grant will be given to the city of Minneapolis to build the largest urban solar array in the Midwest, the city announced today.

Last update: December 11, 2007 - 1:30 AM

A $2 million grant will be given to the city of Minneapolis to build the largest urban solar array in the Midwest, the city announced today.

The Xcel Energy grant will fund a 600-kilowatt array to be built on top of the city's Currie maintenance facility.

The array is made up of 3,000 panels and will generate enough electricity to power nearly 80 homes. The city said the electricity could allow it to expand its fleet of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Minneapolis currently has 28 hybrids, which could be converted to plug-ins.

"We now have the opportunity to build what we expect to be the largest urban solar array in the city, state or Upper Midwest," Mayor R.T. Rybak said in a news release.

The grant needs approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in the spring.

Minneapolis current has three solar arrays operating at city facilities.

PAUL WALSH

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