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Rooftop solar powers museum, educates public

Developer:
Solar Bear, BlueSky Electric
Purpose:

MnCIFA loan for $250,000 with 7-year term. To install 163.8 kW of rooftop solar. The solar panels are estimated to generate over 177,000 kWh per year. MMAM's utility savings: estimated $33,000 per year. 

 

MN Marine Art Museum fact sheet (PDF)
Solar

MMAM saves energy, educates public about renewable energy

MnCIFA's loan is financing rooftop solar at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM). The project is to install 163.8 kW of rooftop solar. The solar panels are estimated to generate over 177,000 kWh per year. Total project costs: $373,300. Loan repayment to MnCIFA will be partially based on federal Investment Tax Credit funds. 

Energy savings 

  • Solar power generated will cover about half (50%) of MMAM's annual electricity needs.
  • MMAM's utility savings estimated $33,000 per year. 
  • The rooftop solar is anticipated to have 25 years of useful life. 

MMAM saves energy, educations public about renewable energy

MMAM's rooftop solar will provide multiple benefits for the nonprofit and community: 

  • MMAM plans to demonstrate how art, culture and sustainability intersect.
  • The rooftop solar is part of a broader strategy by MMAM to elevate the role of the arts and culture industry in climate responsibility and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy.
  • MMAM educational programming will leverage the rooftop solar as an educational resource.
  • Solar panels for the project were provided by Heliene, a Minnesota-based manufacturer, and have a strong hail rating to survive storms.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum rooftop solar array
Minnesota Marine Art Museum logo and building

About the Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the City of Winona, MN. 

  • 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2026.
  • Draws over 35,000 visitors annually. 
  • Almost 8,000 visitors annually participate in arts education programming. 

Project Support