As your local "energy experts," we continue to offer learning opportunities for our customers that cover a wide range of topics. Scroll down below for a full listing of educational opportunities.

Community Education Classes

Neighborhood Energy Challenge

Neighborhood Energy Challenge Class

RPU and Minnesota Energy Resources have teamed up with the Center for Energy and Environment to offer Rochester homeowners the Neighborhood Energy Challenge (NEC), a full-service residential energy audit program.

Learn more about the Neighborhood Energy Challenge

 

Solar Energy for Your Home or Business

Is solar right for you? Does solar work in Minnesota? How much energy can it produce? What are the costs? What incentives are available? Is there maintenance? Come learn the answers to these questions and more. There will be many photos of installations. An optional video tour of a local solar home will follow the class for those who would like to see a system in action. This course is co-sponsored by Rochester Public Utilities (RPU).

Instructor: Micah Johnson

Bio: Over the past 14 years, Micah has designed, installed, and maintained hundreds of solar energy systems throughout Southeast Minnesota. His experience spans commercial, residential, agricultural, off-grid, and battery backup applications. Micah holds a NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate (PVA) certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), a leading organization for solar industry credentials.

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm

Cost: FREE (registration required)

Location: Northrop Community Education Center: Room 308
201 8th St NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Registration: Registration for this Community Education class is not yet available. 

Also, check out the many classes that Community Education has to offer on Electric Vehicles, Heat Pumps, and more by clicking here.