Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Xcel Energy celebrate new solar projects in Minneapolis parks

Officials and staff from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MRPB) and Xcel Energy were joined by local media yesterday to celebrate the new rooftop solar array powering Parade Ice Garden and several other new solar projects that will be installed across Minneapolis parks over the next two years. The MPRB’s first major foray into solar power is the result of a $969,000 grant from the Xcel Energy Renewable Development Fund and $150,000 in matching funds from the MRPB.

“Sustainability is a core value of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and we’re grateful for partners like Xcel Energy that make these big projects possible,” said MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “The exciting improvements at Parade Ice Garden and upcoming solar projects across Minneapolis parks will have a huge economic, environmental and educational impact for years to come.”

The solar project at Parade contains 374 solar panels in 21 sections, which generates roughly 15% of the building’s annual electrical consumption. Each solar panel is paired with a reflector panel to maximize energy density.

“It’s great to partner with the Minneapolis Park Board on their energy efficiency work and their first-ever solar installation at Parade Ice Garden,” said Lee Gabler, Xcel Energy Senior Director of Customer Strategy and Solutions. “This solar array is another example of public and private partners, working together, to promote renewable energy use. This installation is just the beginning of more solar projects for Xcel Energy and the Minneapolis Park Board.” 

New, smaller, demonstrative solar projects will be installed at high-profile locations throughout the park system later this year at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, East Phillips Park and Webber Park. Next year solar projects are planned near Lake Nokomis Main Beach, at the Lake Calhoun Refectory (Tin Fish) and on the new Northeast Athletic Field Recreation Center. For more information on these projects, please check out fact sheets posted on the project page.

The solar project at Parade began operation late last fall and was paired with significant building renovations that drastically increased energy efficiency at the 43-year-old rink. All three rinks were removed and new refrigeration systems and ice surfaces were installed, along with new heating and cooling systems, a new roof and LED lighting. Taken together, the energy efficiency upgrades are expected to save taxpayers more than $80,000 annually and offset 515 tons of annual CO2 emissions. The upgrades also allow year-round use of all three ice sheets and expand the building’s lifespan.

 

Parade Ice Garden Solar Power Quick Facts

•             153.23 kW rooftop solar installation containing 374 solar panels in 21 sections

•             Made in Bloomington, MN by tenKsolar

•             Expected to generate 184,000 kWh annually

•             Expected to produce 10-15% of Parade Ice Garden’s annual electrical needs

•             Expected to offset 127 tons of annual CO2 emissions