BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham schools and Western Washington University (WWU) are among the recipients of over $3 million in solar energy grants coming to Whatcom County.

The state Department of Commerce announced a round of grants earlier this week that will fund 71 clean energy projects across the state.

Bellingham Public Schools was a big winner, netting just over $2.7 million – the second-highest total awarded. The funds will go towards the installation of a solar array on five schools – Options High School, Shuksan Middle School, and Alderwood, Cordata and Happy Valley elementaries.

WWU received just over $320,000 to install solar panels on its Science, Mathematics and Technology Education building. Another $133,000 will go to Point Roberts Parks and Recreation for its efforts to expand solar energy in the community.

Along with Whatcom, Skagit County received over $4 million for clean energy projects at the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and the La Conner and Anacortes School Districts.

The funds come from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act.