HF 1260

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:46am

A bill for an act
relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for grants for installation
of solar energy projects in K-12 public schools.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin INSTALLATION OF SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS IN K-12
SCHOOLS.
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new text begin (a) $5,000,000 is appropriated from federal stimulus funding to the commissioner of
commerce for grants to school districts to pay the costs of installing solar energy projects
to generate energy used in public K-12 schools, including swimming pools owned and
operated by the school district. In awarding grants, the commissioner must determine, at a
minimum, the following:
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new text begin (1) that the physical condition of the school building is sufficient to support the
efficient operation of the solar energy project;
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new text begin (2) that enrollment projections for the school indicate no significant possibility that
the school may close within ten years; and
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new text begin (3) that the projected cumulative energy savings exceed the grant amount and the
corresponding debt service within 15 years for a qualifying solar thermal project, and
within 20 years for a photovoltaic device.
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new text begin (b) For the purposes of this section, "solar energy" means:
new text end

new text begin (1) a photovoltaic device, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.06,
subdivision 16; or
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new text begin (2) a qualifying solar thermal project, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section
216B.2411, subdivision 2, and which includes modifications made to a distribution system
to distribute heating or cooling throughout a building.
new text end

new text begin (c) For purposes of this section, "federal stimulus funding" means money provided
to the state by federal stimulus funding legislation for energy programs.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end