The city will save $60,000 in electricity in 2020 and more than $5.5M over 25 years

Brooklyn Park, (MN) – 7/8/2019 – Mayor Jeffrey Lunde announced today the completion of the solar panel installation at city facilities. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Congressman Dean Phillips, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, all supporters of clean energy, joined the news conference to talk about the importance of this project.

“Back in 2015, we worked closely with the community to decide where we want the City of Brooklyn Park to go. It was clear they want the city to be a leader in environmental sustainability,” said Mayor Lunde. “Four years later, we are proud to say we were able to complete this project without any cost burden on taxpayers.”

The solar panels are located at three operations and maintenance buildings, the Community Activity Center, police station, central fire station and the water treatment plant. The panels installed generate more than 1.5 Megawatts of electricity per year, which is enough to power about 200 households. The city also entered into several solar garden agreements with Xcel Energy, which brings the city to 100% sustainable energy for city facilities including buildings, streetlights and sewer lift stations.

“I commend the city of Brooklyn Park for its leadership and vision,” said Governor Walz. “The future of Minnesota’s environment and economy relies on clean energy. Thank you to Mayor Lunde and the people of Brooklyn Park for moving Minnesota forward.”

A Minnesota Solar grant, federal tax credits and a third-party investor called Standard Solar paid for the nearly $2.6M solar panel installation. The city, in partnership with Standard Solar, worked with Apex Efficiency Solutions to install the largest solar project that any city has ever done.


“We should be running towards green energy solutions, not away from them, and I’m proud of the leadership and innovation that is happening right here in Brooklyn Park,” said Congressman Phillips. “It’s extraordinary what we can accomplish when local, state, federal and private entities join together. Our community will emerge stronger—environmentally and economically— through these investments, and will light the way for others to follow.”

“The City of Brooklyn Park is a shining example of how our communities can take advantage of Minnesota’s growing clean-energy economy to both save money and help reduce carbon pollution,” said Minnesota House Speaker Hortman. “Climate change is one of the most significant threats to Minnesota’s future economic growth and vitality, and we have a responsibility to be part of the solution. I’m pleased to be a Brooklyn Park resident and compliment the city on their leadership.”

With the solar panel installation, taxpayers will save $60,000 in electricity in 2020 and more than $5.5M over 25 years.

To see video of the installation check out the Brooklyn Park Youtube page.

About Standard Solar

Standard Solar, Inc. is a leading solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide. Dedicated to making Distributed Generation (DG) solar mor e accessible to businesses, institutions, governments and utilities, the company is forging the path for clean, renewable energy development through turnkey solutions. With more than 100 megawatts installed, financed and maintained, Standard Solar is one of the most trusted and respected solar companies in the US. Owned by Énergir, a leading energy provider with more than $5.8 billion US in assets, Standard Solar operates nationally and is headquartered in Rockville, Md. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com

About Cedar Creek Energy

Cedar Creek Energy is the company that designed, engineered and constructed the municipal solar energy systems in Brooklyn Park. Cedar Creek Energy is a homegrown, Minnesota-based solar energy company on the cutting edge of the quickly-evolving solar industry. The company provides custom solar energy solutions for Minnesota homeowners and businesses. Tied into an array of excellent financing organizations like Standard Solar, Cedar Creek Energy also works with its clients to secure every possible tax credit, rebate, and other financing opportunities to ensure a positive cashflow and maximum ROI. Owned by solar entrepreneur and CEO, Rob Appelhof, Cedar Creek Energy was honored by the opportunity to design, engineer, and construct Brooklyn Park’s solar array. For more information, visit www.cedarcreekenergy.com.

About Apex Efficiency Solutions

Apex Efficiency Solutions works to better the communities we live and work in through saving money for Cities and Schools while simultaneously reducing their carbon emissions. We do this by installing renewable energy solutions and increasing the energy efficiency of facilities. We also serve the less fortunate through the Apex Foundation, which focuses on alleviating poverty, and providing educational opportunities and housing to impoverished families. For more information: www.Apex-co.us

Standard Solar PR Contact:
Leah Wilkinson
Wilkinson + Associates
703-907-0010
703-307-3964 mobile
leah@wilkinson.associates
wilkinson.associates

City of Brooklyn Park Contact:
Camille Hepola
City of Brooklyn Park
Communications Manager
Phone: 763-238-5216
Email: camille.hepola@brooklynpark.org