2018: First Place Video

“Let’s Go Solar” by Fernando Saldivia and Alan Zheng

“Renewable energy sources are among our most valuable and democratic allies at the moment as we face the challenges of global climate change. It is everybody’s mission to work our way toward a sustainable future. We would like to thank CERTs and MnSEIA for giving young people like us the opportunity to promote the use of solar energy through video. Thanks for the valuable work you and others in the solar industry are doing!” – Fernando & Alan, Students at Carleton College in Northfield

2018: Second Place Video

“Project Earth Solar Panels” by Isabel Dunning and Natalie Swanson

Students at Edina High School and members of the Project Earth Club put together a video featuring the school’s new solar installation.

2018: Third Place Video

“Solar in Morris” by Syd Bauer and Sam Yuan

“Thank you so much to CERTs and MnSEIA for this award! We had a blast filming, interviewing, and sharing this solar video with our community. Morris residents are passionate about these ideas and being able to share their voice with you all means so much to us. This video has also showcased to the entire state that Morris is a renewable energy destination. All of our prize money is going directly to the Morris Robotics Team to help them with their solar project. We are so grateful for the award and thank you all for your support!” – Syd & Sam, Students at University of Minnesota Morris

2018: Runner Up

“The Future Energy Gang” by Marley & James

2017: First Place Video

“The Generation for Solar” by Edina Project Earth

Edina High School’s Project Earth environmental club made this video to show that the next generation supports an increase of solar energy in Minnesota. We know that this is the best choice for our future, and want to promote the benefits of solar energy.

2017: Second Place Video

“Solar Powers Minnesota” by Marley & James

The future isn’t what it used to be. Go solar! Produced by Brendan Dillon, Carina Dillon, Laura Hannah, and Julian White.

2017: Third Place Video

“The Wine Company Goes Solar” by The Wine Company

Committed to sustainable initiatives at every turn, The Wine Company is proud to go solar! This video is our playful announcement about flipping the switch and a toast to all committed to #makingeverydayanearthday!

2016: First Place Video

Joe Schertz, The School of Music and Mayhem: The School of Music & Mayhem flipped the switch and is now 100% solar, becoming the first music school in the Midwest to be powered entirely by the sun! To commemorate the event they wrote and recorded a song that is 8 minutes and 20 seconds long. That’s the time it takes a photon to burst off the surface of the sun, travel through space, then land on the solar panels. Joe accepted the award at the MnSEIA event.

2016: Second Place Video

Mitchell Paquette, independent filmmaker and Macalester grad: He made the video about the Minnesota Community Solar Boom for his senior capstone. He would like to thank Timothy Denherder-Thomas of Cooperative Energy Futures as well as Elizabeth Dickinson of Community Power for their involvement in the film. Accepting for Mitchell is Bruce Konewko with Cooperative Energy Futures.

2016: Third Place Video

Noah Johnson, 7th grader at Bemidji Middle School: Noah’s pet rabbit, Stefin, is featured in the video, as well as his brother Reed and family friend Roger. In the video they talk about why solar energy is a good option in Minnesota, with Stefin asking questions about solar energy and Roger answering them. Accepting for Noah is Dylan Sievers with Fresh Energy, who graduated from Bemidji State University’s sustainability program.