ESPC are often used with federal, state, and local governments, and universities, and provides a form of financing where the energy and operational efficiency upgrades are paid for by energy savings.

This software and similar programs simulate and optimize planning for building a microgrid, so stakeholders can evaluate tradeoffs and opportunities.

This example of a microgrid project in Chisago County discusses the process of building a small scale microgrid in Minnesota.

Provides local governments with technical services to complete energy project studies and a standard project financing agreement.

Based in Montevideo, MN, they gather load data and work with industry leaders to assess the capability for battery and micro-grid technology.

PACE provides a way for municipalities to help local property owners make energy improvements to their properties.

The fund promotes the startup, expansion, and attraction of renewable energy projects and companies across Minnesota.

They can help public clients with development and analysis, regulatory and financial analysis, and microgrid feasibility, development, and deployment initiatives.

This grant through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development provides funding in Greater Minnesota to build energy infrastructure improvements.

Browse DSIRE to stay updated on incentives in Minnesota and at the Federal level to help complete energy projects.

Clean renewable energy bonds (CREBs) are often used by public institutions to finance renewable energy projects.

Here are helpful steps to consider ownership, scale, design when creating a microgrid.

All Energy Solar, based in Minnesota, has created a Powerwall battery, which can store power generated by solar panels during the day or purchased from the power company at night when rates are lowest. They also help with battery and solar project financing.

The Hartley Nature Center in Duluth recently retrofitted their solar array and added battery backup.

A helpful explainer on the range of energy storage options, and the benefits and tradeoffs of each.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), created a pricing structure, called Pay-for-Performance, that recognizes the value of a stable grid. It has the potential to make storage technologies more cost-effective on a large-scale.

Investment tax credits could be used to move storage projects forward for private entities.

Here's a list of basic energy-saving steps individuals can take to keep utility bills down in the fall and winter, from CERTs.

This resource from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy helps you make the right choice for appliance and energy efficiency upgrades, keeping the environment and cost in mind.

These tips from the Department of Energy offer easy, step-by-step instructions to home energy efficiency improvements that will save you energy and money.

Created by the Center for Energy and Environment, this website helps Minnesota residents can how to stay comfortable and save money in their homes.

Pomme de Terre Foods used a seed grant from to fix ceiling damage, conduct an energy audit, and implement audit findings to reduce energy consumption.

If your driving on Highway 28 in Alberta, Minnesota, you can see Amberg Renewable's sampling of the most current technologies across the spectrum of solar.

This article provides an explainer on the district heating system in Denmark, which has provided energy efficiency and security to the country.

This heat map provides an example of an online tool the city uses to map out district heating and decentralized energy project opportunities.

Installing solar power can drastically cut energy bills, but many people who would benefit from this financial break aren't included. This article explains how we could make solar power, and energy savings, more accessible.

This webinar from CERTs explores the opportunity solar gardens can have for local governments to get involved in solar energy and engage community members.

The Captain Planet Foundation invests in high-quality, solution-based programs that embrace STEM learning and empower youth to become local & global environmental change-makers.

The Rural Initiative project funds collaborative and participatory efforts among citizens in rural communities that will help to strengthen their towns and regions in a number of civic areas including, but not limited to, economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education.

The Otto Bremer supports community asset building efforts in Western Minnesota.

CERTs is kicking off “Solar Possible,” a cooperative purchasing effort to facilitate more state agencies, local governments, and schools using solar on their facilities. Collaborative procurement is an effective approach to reduce barriers, learn together, and drive projects to successful completion. This initial effort will be geared toward jurisdictions in Xcel Energy territory.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.

GreenStep Cities offers a list of Minnesota-based advisors from government, public universities, and local nonprofits to provide guidance on local energy and sustainability projects.