Science Museum of Minnesota
Science Museum of Minnesota
Science Museum of Minnesota
New Thin-Film Solar Panels Help Power the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Goal to Reach 100% Carbon Neutrality by 2030
In 2003, the Science Museum of Minnesota built Science House: one of the state’s first net-zero energy buildings and a pioneering model for sustainability. This bold project is a living demonstration of how residential-scale green buildings can thrive, even in Minnesota’s extreme seasons. Recognizing the critical role solar power plays in building a sustainable future, the museum will replace its original rooftop solar laminate with the latest thin-film technology. This upgrade keeps the museum at the cutting edge, armed with a thriving, real-world example for the advantages of building sustainably.
Since 2014, the whole museum has slashed its carbon emissions by 90%, and the thin-film solar technology upgrade — along with simultaneously integrating Science House into the museum’s advanced energy management system — marks a major step toward its commitment to eliminating its remaining climate-warming emissions and achieving 100% carbon neutrality by 2030.
This grant represents the first time All Points North Foundation has supported thin-film technology for solar. The new laminate will generate approximately 13,600 kWh and save the museum about $1,100 annually. The upgrade significantly advances the museum’s Bold STEM Futures 2030 vision, which places climate change at the center of a mission to teach visitors what it means to be human, how to sustainably provide food, energy and water, and how innovation and engineering shape a more resilient future.
Adjacent to the museum’s main campus in downtown St. Paul, Science House provides solar education and houses a public laboratory, classroom, and special-event space. Fueled entirely by the thin-film solar laminate roof, Science House generates all the energy it needs, while a ground-source heat pump efficiently provides heating, cooling, and hot water. Built for maximum energy efficiency, its thick 2-by-6-inch insulated walls, airtight construction, and high-performance south-facing windows work together to trap warmth in winter, stay cool in summer, and harness natural light — showcasing a real-world model of smart, sustainable living. Revamped with the latest thin-film solar laminate, Science House will be revitalized as a powerful learning hub, inspiring new generations of diverse and varied audiences with the enormous economic, equity, and environmental benefits of solar power and renewable energy sources.
For more information, visit www.new.smm.org
Photo credit: Science Museum of Minnesota
All Points North Foundation provides grants for U.S.-based projects and initiatives that support our priorities: improving public middle school education and teacher training, and implementing effective solar programs and/or projects.
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