Clean Energy Resource Teams

06/24/2026

“The projects across central MN have the potential to impact our residents and neighbors in immediate ways through education and energy savings,” says Central CERT Coordinator Heidi Auel. “We’re excited to discover the ripple effects of all the community efforts!”

Meet the 2026 CERTs Seed Grant recipients: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/2026grants

06/23/2026

“During the summer months, it is extremely hot in the warehouse, thus not safe for people to be working in that space. During the winter months, it is extremely cold, thus not safe for people to be working in that space.”

The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes distributes 400,000-500,000 meals annually to local area food shelves, community meal programs, shelters, and school backpack programs.

With an uninsulated warehouse driving up their heating bills, they used a CERTs Seed Grant to make needed efficiency improvements: https://buff.ly/3jJfgG8

06/22/2026

Announcing the 52 community-based clean energy projects across Minnesota that received CERTs Seed Grants!

From Ramsey County to Redwood County, Mahnomen to Mankato, this round of projects serves a wide array of clean energy ideas, with many focused on helping neighbors to be more energy efficient.

06/22/2026

If you're an energy nerd and want to hear about a local MN company that's innovating wildly to increase grid capacity, check this out: https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/transmission/software-firm-grid-enhancing-tech?

06/21/2026

Does your town need funding for solar?
June 30 is the deadline for Solar on Public Buildings proposals! Visit our website to learn more and watch the webinar recording about the program.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce seeks proposals for the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program by June 30, 2026.

06/20/2026

It's time for some good news from Canary Media:
1. U.S. solar generation beats coal nationwide in May!
2. Clean energy romps after dark in California...
3. New York sets a solar record!
4. Texas breaks records for everything!!!

In California, Texas, and other places, solar, wind, and batteries hit new highs. Here are the big takeaways from this year’s shoulder season.

06/19/2026

Have you explored our new Community Energy Ambassadors training program yet?
Whether you started the old training checklist or just signed up to stay up to date on the program, now is a great time to get CERTified as a Community Energy Ambassador!
https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/community-energy-ambassadors

OR you could join our statewide cohort and learn alongside others!
We launched our statewide Community Energy Ambassador cohort earlier this year, and it’s not too late to participate. Sign up if you're interested: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeKebG447GQBnXELMizRX3ApY0desARUoRegwz0KCmHb82Cgg/viewform

Learn how you can support your community with their clean energy projects with the Community Energy Ambassadors training. You'll become well-versed in energy efficiency and renewable energy topics so you can help others across Minnesota. You don't have to be an expert, just be curious and open to le...

06/18/2026

Curious about air source heat pumps (ASHPs)?
We shared lots of resources with our Community Energy Ambassadors this week, and thought you might be interested in them as well!

CERTs Community Energy Ambassador Steve and his neighbors documented their experiences living with ASHPs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNH7WTDYeOc

Join our June Coffee Chat where we’ll welcome an ASHP expert to share installation examples and answer your questions. This is an informal, interactive space to learn more and connect with others exploring ASHPs: https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/certs-june-coffee-chat-air-source-heat-pumps

Four Kenny neighborhood households share their honest experiences l...

06/17/2026

Twin Bluff Middle School in Red Wing, added solar energy to power their classrooms in really visible ways for students:

Local middle schoolers have been learning about solar energy hands-on thanks to a solar power system installed at Twin Bluff Middle School last fall.

06/16/2026

There's still time to join the Fields and Forests 2026 Solar Co-op with Solar United Neighbors!
Residents in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena Counties have until July 31 to sign up. Don't miss this opportunity to change up your energy game:

Fields and Forests 2026 Solar Co-op Join the co-op (Opens in a new tab) Open this co-op is open to residents in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena Counties, MN July 31, 2026 last day to join the co-op Join the co-op Table of Contents AboutCost & savingsUpdatesEventsInstallersContact us Abou...