Sunny Days Ahead

Even in the midst of winter storms, it helps to look on the bright side. That’s what Lundstrum’s doing with it latest project: the installation of solar panels. Lundstrum is going green!

In the fall of 2021, a field of solar panels were mounted on Lundstrum’s roof, an investment that will reap benefits for years to come. The energy generated from these solar panels will reduce Lundstrum’s carbon footprint, while also lowering electricity costs. We can help our environment and dedicate more resources to our students! We are excited to be good stewards of our environment and of the resources with which we’re entrusted.

This change is possible through a partnership with Lake Street Solar, a local business based out of South Minneapolis. The up front installation cost for solar power often poses an obstacle for non-profits. Lake Street Solar covers the initial installation cost and slowly sells the equipment to the partner non-profit over time, so the cost in more manageable. They were recommended to Lundstrum by a parent of a voice student who had worked with Lake Street Solar through their own non-profit in South Minneapolis.

The current winter weather might have a few people raising eyebrows at the idea, but don’t be fooled. “Minnesota is a great state for solar - its long summer days with direct rays from the sun more than make up for the darker winter months,” explains Joan Olson, Lundstrum’s Managing Director.

“Minnesota is a great state for solar - its long summer days with direct rays from the sun more than make up for the darker winter months.”

For the immediate future, this means Lundstrum will save on the cost of electricity. Several years from now, when Lundstrum has finished purchasing the equipment from Lake Street Solar, we’ll also profit from the excess energy we generate that is sold to local energy companies. The excess energy will be used by other area business, so the environmental impact will reach even further than Lundstrum’s doors.

“We’re excited to be tapping into an unused resource: our roof. We’re making a contribution to positive environmental stewardship,” Joan continued.

“We’re making a contribution to positive environmental stewardship.””

We’d like to thank all of the community members who encouraged and assisted with this change. Your support makes our future brighter!