Clean Energy Resource Teams

Right now across Minnesota there are hundreds of people working to get clean energy projects installed at their schools, churches, nature centers, city halls, and libraries. These are often cash-strapped organizations, supported largely by community volunteers, that could use a little financial help.

The CERTs program and its partners work with community members and organizations across Minnesota to identify and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. We hope that you will take a look at the projects listed below and, if you see something you like, consider donating. Together we can turn these clean energy dreams into realities, one school, one church, and one nature center at a time!

Mahtomedi Zephyr Wind Project

The Mahtomedi School Board approved a resolution April 9, 2009 endorsing MAGI’s efforts to improve the sustainability of district facilities, including installation of a small wind turbine on or near school property to generate renewable energy for school facilities, model environmental stewardship, and provide a unique educational opportunity for district students. Our goal is to install a 10kW system at a cost of $30,000-$50,000, financed by donations from community members. Be a part of this history-making initiative by donating today! When asked to choose a category, select “MAGI Fund” from the drop-down menu.  
Amount needed: $40,000 | Learn more and donate >>

Olmstead County Community Solar Initiative

We are a coalition of students from Mayo, Century, John Marshall and Dover-Eyota High Schools working closely with local businesses and the community at large. Our goal is to install Photovoltaic solar systems on site at the high schools in order to: Expose students to alternative, clean and sustainable energy; To educate students about solar energy and photovoltaic technology; Provide clean and sustainable energy for the schools; To show that students can take the lead on confronting the pressing environmental problems that face our generation. Our first system will offset over 900,000 pounds, or 450 tons, of carbon dioxide, 5,400 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 4,320 pounds of nitrous oxide. Collaborating together allows us to spread out many of the initial costs of solar energy, but we still need your help!  
Amount needed: $5,500 | Learn more and donate >>

Park Rapids Wind Energy Project

The Park Rapids Wind Energy Project is a community based campaign to erect a 20KW Wind Turbine Northwest of the Century School. Your Tax Deductible Contributions will: Reduce utility costs each year for the school; Provide hands-on-learning opportunities for area students; Promote understanding and growth in the alternative energy industry; Reduce harmful pollutants; and Gather local data to determine cost effectiveness of future wind energy projects. You can even use their nifty calculator to let you know how many carbon dioxide emissions your contribution will offset through their project, and how much you will help the school save on their energy bills! Your donation will go directly toward the turbine and educational materials.  
Amount needed: $18,500 | Learn more and donate >>

Wildrose Farm Electric Car Project

Starting with a vintage Endura electric car hand built in 1976, we are restoring and updating the car’s systems. Analog controls are being changed to digital, the electric motor is being re-built, and the battery system is being updated. Our goal is to have “petroleum free, sustainable transportation” for local distribution of food. We are building a year-around greenhouse and will use this car for delivering to restaurants and CSA locations. The work is being done by the student members of Applied Environmental Solutions at the University of Minnesota, Institute of Technology, on the Minneapolis campus. The research and work they do increases their knowledge and experience, and provides them with material for a resume to attract future projects. We are also building a recharging station using wind and solar power.  
Amount needed: $22,000 | Learn more and donate >>

Willmar Community Greenhouse Project

Willmar students and volunteers are working tirelessly to upgrade an ancient greenhouse to produce healthy, local foods for their school and community. We need your help to turn our dream into a reality! The Willmar Community Greenhouse is a non-profit endeavor begun by the Willmar High School YES team to bring various community groups together for the purpose of growing local produce year-round. This project will demonstrate the energy-saving and health benefits of growing produce at the local level. Produce will be donated to the local Food Shelf, the school district food service, and other groups. Further, the greenhouse will be heated primarily by solar and biomass-burning sources.  
Amount needed: $6,000 | Learn more and donate >>

Eagle Bluff ELC Small Wind Demonstration Project

As part of the Eagle Bluff 2010 Sustainability Campaign we are planning to install a small wind demonstration of two vertical and two horizontal systems. Money raised will be used to install these systems: (1) Bergey turbine unit and tower; (2) Ventera turbine unit and Rohn SSV tower; (3) Mariah VAWT unit; and (4) Pacwind Delta VAWT. Thousands of people come to Eagle Bluff, and this demonstration will educate them about the possibilities that small-scale wind energy can provide. All of the wind data will be available in real time to the public through the project’s website.  
Amount needed: $250,000 | Learn more and donate >>

Coming Soon: The CERTs Donate to Projects page currently allows you to directly support energy efficiency or renewable energy projects across Minnesota. In the future we plan to provide a uniform benchmarking system that allows you to calculate how many pounds of greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced for the dollars you donate, as well as energy saved or clean energy produced. You will be able to choose to support clean energy projects not only by region or technology, but also by which ones make the largest impact for the amount of money donated. Stay tuned!

Disclaimer: The Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) program and its partners work with community members and organizations across Minnesota to identify and implement renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The CERTs program and its partners have no control over the implementation, management, or success of the projects accepting donations. All transaction services are provided by ChipIn, PayPal, or the individual project managers, independent of the CERTs program and its partners.