Free Solar Energy Kits

Nebraska Solar Schools is a Nebraskans for Solar program that has its own website. Through grants from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the Facebook Foundation, our nonprofit is able to provide free NEED Solar Energy Kits to K-12 Nebraska schools. The Facebook-funded solar kits are available to Sarpy County schools. Those purchased with NET grant money are available to schools in all other counties.  Curriculum materials are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core standards. The kits will remain available until April 30, 2021, or for as long as quantities last. NEED Solar Kit Request Form

Free Wind Energy Workshops & Kits

The NEED Project is hosting virtual wind energy workshops on September 24th & October 17th from 9 am to 3 pm. They are free for K-12 Nebraska teachers and STEM educators. Also free for participants: a hands-on wind education kit for your school.  Click on a date for more information and to register. Thursday, September 24, 2020 Saturday, October 17, 2020

REAP Seeks Applications for Grants & Loans

The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) seeks applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects.  Program Fact Sheet Hoja Informativa del Programa en Español Questions? Contact USDA State Energy Coordinator Jeff Carpenter

Energy Resources for New Farmers & Ranchers

The USDA is sponsoring the development of a new series of extension materials designed specifically with new farmers in mind. Energy Answers for the Beginning Farmer & Rancher utilizes farm energy experts from university extension programs across the country, including Nebraska Extension. The project's collection of short videos includes What is it like to apply for farm energy incentive programs like REAP?

New SolSmart Solar + EV Guide

This new report outlines key strategies including educating community members on the benefits of PV and EVs, organizing group purchase campaigns to support both technologies, providing financial and non-financial incentives on EV and PV regulation, and adjusting local regulations to reduce costs and ease integration.

Featured Solar Installation

The Dundee Bank in Omaha Project: 14.4 kilowatt solar array designed by Bluestem Energy Solutions and installed by Boyd Jones Recommended Reading Dundee Bank installs $34,000 worth of solar panels at its headquarters, by Nancy Gaarder, Omaha World-Herald Photo by Sam Raetz, commercial photographer based in Omaha.

More Nebraska News & Opinion

Nebraska Nanoscale Facility gets five-year renewal, Nebraska Today, University of Nebraska Newsroom Solar project, with $1.3 million battery, is a big step forward for Nebraska, Omaha World-Herald NPPD won't use hydrogen from Monolith plant, Lincoln Journal Star Alternative energy supporters vying for NPPD board, Columbus Telegram Local View: Don’t hamper wind growth, Lincoln Journal Star. The writer, Gary Thompson, has served as an NPPD Board of Directors member for 27 years.  Previously Posted: Nebraska needs more clean energy, NPPD board member Melissa Freelend says, Kearney Hub OPPD board Chairman Craig Moody announces bid for Omaha City Council, Omaha World-Herald Conservation Nebraska and Grand Island Utilities host solar power tour, KSNB-Hastings. Conservation Nebraska’s Website Previously Posted Editorial: Grand Island deepens stake in alternative energy, Grand Island Independent  2GW pipeline of California battery projects revealed by Capital Dynamics and Tenaska, Energy Storage News. Tenaska is headquartered in Omaha.  Nebraska solar farm highlights tension between cities, electricity wholesaler, Energy News Network Norfolk solar facility, battery energy storage system ready to go, Norfolk Daily News American Wind Power Moves Forward Despite Second Quarter Challenges, AWEA News Release. Post includes Nebraska stats. Midlands Voices: Renewable energy proves a sound investment for Nebraska, by OPPD Board of Directors Member Tim Gay, Omaha World-Herald Masdar Buys Into 1.6GW EDF Renewables Pipeline in One of the Year’s Biggest Deals, Greentech Media. Masdar will buy half-stakes in three wind farms in Nebraska and Texas totaling 815 megawatts. 64 mayors sign letter urging Congress to extend solar tax credits, Solar Power World. Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning is among the signatories. Flood study grants, NCORPE debt payments in LRNRD budget, Kearney Hub Burt County officials learn about wind energy project as they consider area wind energy guidelines, KTIV Commentary: New farm income — Martin Kleinschmit, owner of MarLin Wind & Solar LLC, Norfolk Daily News First-hand experience to dispel wind energy myths, by Nebraska farmer/rancher Mike Zakrzewski of O’Neill, Nebraska, Blair Enterprise Publishing Retired utility engineer works to help Omaha charities cut peak power fees, Energy News Network AgLines: New ‘Site Wind Right’ Energy Map released in Nebraska, Grand Island Independent

Visit our Website and Facebook Page for more news, resources & events. Thank you for all you are doing to advance renewable energy in our state!