Community solar farm
MINNESOTA SOLAR

Creating a sustainable energy future with Minnesotans

GOAL

Support statewide requirements to implement 25 percent renewable energy.

25%renewable by 2025
SOLUTION

Nine community solar farms, making renewables accessible and affordable for all.

37MW energy
PROJECT

Leading the clean energy movement

In 2013, Minnesota passed legislation supporting the widespread adoption of clean energy. We took the opportunity to help bring community solar to life across the state.

Believing in solar

While the state has been a longtime proponent of renewable energy, the Next Generation Energy Act (NGEA) presented a unique opportunity to answer the steady consumer demand for clean power.

We were poised to find the right approach, with a long history in the state (NRG was formed in Minnesota in 1989), plus our understanding of solar business, strength as a Fortune 500 energy provider and track record of making smart-energy concepts a reality.    

  • Serves 14 countiesPOPULATION
  • 155,377 solar panelsSIZE
  • High (10+ MW)ENERGY NEEDS

It takes a village

The idea of a community solar farm—where solar energy created at an off-site location is shared by a variety of customers—was the perfect answer to Minnesota’s needs.

“We heard the same strong message from residents and businesses alike: they want to be powered by affordable, renewable energy,” said Bradford Pete-Hill, Director of Structured Solutions. “This gives them a simple, cost-effective path to go solar without having to put panels on their roofs.”

We partnered with Xcel Energy to implement nine solar farms across Washington, Dakota, Goodhue, Olmstead, Sherbune, Rice and Dodge counties—providing almost 37 megawatts of clean energy and employing hundreds of Minnesotans in the process. 

Making sustainable attainable

Completed in 2017, the project combines the benefits of clean energy, financial incentives and the no-risk nature of purchasing solar energy from a third-party provider.

More than 1,600 residents and several large businesses have already come onboard, including U.S. Bank, Land O’Lakes, Macy’s and Ecolab.

As a result, we helped make Minnesota the fifth-largest solar market in the U.S. as of the second quarter of 2017, according to GTM Research and SEIA.

Read about our work with Xcel Energy Inc. in Minnesota

See a map of Minnesota Community Solar

  • 37MW solar energy
  • 1600+customers
  • 27eligible counties
Solar panel
Community Solar represents a powerful opportunity—where everyone can support a cleaner energy future.

Even one Community Solar customer can make a lasting difference. For every megawatt subscribed, over 30,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide are avoided—the equivalent of taking 250 cars off the road each year. On average, a program participant saves 12,778 gallons of gas, 272,153 miles driven by a passenger vehicle and 107 acres of forest per year.

It’s partners like Xcel Energy who make community solar programs possible. In the words of Lynda Clemmons, Vice President, Sustainable Solutions, NRG energy:

"We’re proud to have worked with Xcel Energy on achieving the unparalleled milestone of 100 megawatts of community solar. What they have accomplished is a great example of the commitment and determination needed to succeed in developing solar generation systems so residential, business and industrial customers can take advantage of the benefits of solar power."

    Solar panel
    12,778gal. gasoline reduced
    100 MWtotal generation
    SUSTAINABILITY FACTS

    The future is bright

    Business owners and citizens alike profit from Community Solar.

    Participating companies receive significant energy cost savings, both in year one and in the long term. The community also enjoys the clean-energy advantages of solar, including reduced carbon emissions.

    Here are just a few more reasons to believe in Community Solar: zero upfront capital and less risk than on-site solar infrastructure; potential savings on utility bills; a simple contract and no change to business operations; the ability to hedge long-term against traditional electricity prices, which are trending up.

      Solar farm crew
      25-yearsolar service agreement
      $0upfront investment
      BUSINESS CASE

      Everyone wins

      Each solar farm lets businesses and homeowners share the benefits of clean energy.

      Upon subscribing, you can support solar energy generation, which helps power the local utility’s grid. In return, you receive a bill credit from your provider.

      For customers without direct access to the sun, a large roof surface or a large energy load, Community Solar makes the use of clean energy both possible and beneficial.

        Skyscraper
        ENERGY FACTS

        Community Solar works

        “We are proud to be a subscriber along with Land O’Lakes, Macy’s, Ecolab and others, and congratulate NRG for its leadership in this important work. We are excited to see the positive impact the gardens will have on our communities.”
        • Reba DominskiSenior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at U.S. Bank

        “We’d like to thank Xcel Energy, Governor Dayton and the State Legislature for supporting this innovative community solar program. Their forward-thinking leadership—along with our flagship customers across Minnesota counties—is paving the way for other states to follow suit.”

        Robert GaudetteExecutive Vice President, NRG Business

        Focused on you

        Whatever your energy goal, we’re ready to craft the best solution.
        Contact us