Lewiston-Altura Schools celebrate solar energy milestone
Lewiston, Minn.— The Lewiston-Altura School District took a major step toward sustainability with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, marking the installation of solar panels at its elementary and high schools.
Supported by the Minnesota Solar for Schools program, this project aims to reduce energy costs while providing students hands-on opportunities to learn about renewable energy.
The solar array, featuring 658 panels, is expected to generate more than 493,000 kilowatt-hours annually, which is enough electricity to power about 41 homes each year. The system will offset roughly 39 percent of the district’s energy use, allowing the school to reinvest savings back into classrooms.
Kent Wickham, vice president of member services at MiEnergy Electric Cooperative, which partnered on the project, said, “This initiative is a win-win. It helps reduce energy costs for the district and supports Minnesota’s goal of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2040.” Funding came primarily through the state’s Solar for Schools grants, along with federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Bree Maki, chair of the Lewiston-Altura School Board, highlighted the educational benefits. “Our students gain exposure to clean energy technologies, preparing them for a sustainable future,” she said.
The project, completed in partnership with Solar Connection and MiEnergy Cooperative, is expected to pay for itself in under three years. The district also received support from local utility Dairyland Power Cooperative and the Clean Energy Resource Teams, who emphasized the importance of curriculum integration alongside the solar installations.
Senator Tina Smith’s office praised the effort, noting the project “strengthens rural communities and offers students hands-on opportunities to learn about the future of energy.”
The Lewiston-Altura project is one of 92 Minnesota schools to benefit from the Solar for Schools program since its launch in 2021, reflecting a statewide commitment to clean, affordable and educational energy solutions.