Community Solar Gardens are centrally-located solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers, and they’re taking root in Minnesota. Here at CERTs we wanted to learn more about the experiences of subscribers in Minnesota and share them with others who are curious about community solar.
Meet Jim and Carol: Jim Johnson serves on the Board of Directors of the Pelican Rapids Area Economic Development Corporation. Recently, he and his wife, Carol, decided to invest in the Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s solar garden because of their green values and their appreciation for home-grown energy projects.
CERTs: Why did you decide to subscribe to the Lake Region Electric Cooperative community solar project?
Jim & Carol: I decided to purchase a solar energy panel because I believe in self-sustaining energy capture. My value system has a good bit of “green” in it, and the opportunity to get involved in something local – and at the ground floor – was appealing.
CERTs: What was the process like to subscribe?
J & C: The Lake Region Cooperative Electric Association of Pelican Rapids has done a very good and accurate job in spelling out and presenting the project and opportunities to members.
CERTs: CERTs: How did you decide how much solar to get?
J & C: My wife and I discussed the merits of the project and felt if we could afford to buy one solar panel, that we should do it. We discussed the future benefits of a growing technology and decided it was good to support this local effort.
CERTs: What has the impact been on your energy bill?
J & C: The impact on our electric bill is still quite small, but the fact that we are locked in to earning this solar energy at current rates makes the longer term investment seem even more attractive. Though the impact is small today, longer term the investment will pay better dividends, especially if the cost of energy rises, which we all expect it will.
CERTs: What would you tell a friend if they asked about community solar gardens?
J & C: My friends have heard me say that solar energy is the coming thing, and it’s here now, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. It is the greenest, most environmentally-positive energy source we have and likely will be for a long time. The economics and technology of solar energy are getting better every day and I believe will continue to do so.
CERTs: What are you doing to tell others about community solar, if anything?
J & C: Not long after we purchased our panel, a local television station from Fargo invited us to do an interview, which we did, and it created some very interesting conversations at the local coffee group that we take part in. I have discussed and explained the program to a lot of community friends, and even got Facebook feedback. As a member of the board of the Pelican Rapids Economic Development Corporation, I see this local power company initiative as a very good “home-grown” economic development project.
Video of the couple on KVRR FOX in Fargo:
To learn more about the Lake Region Community Solar program, click here to visit their website. You can also check out the map and photos below.
Community solar garden location:
Check out these photos to watch the LREC community solar garden grow:
More interviews with community solar subscribers:
- Christine and Tom Custer of Brownsville, MN
- Douglas and Dennis Falch of Winona, MN
- Eric Schilling and family of Ham Lake, MN
- David Schmidt of Corcoran, MN
- Rachel and John Egan of Blaine, MN
- Gary and Betty Dagen of Barnesville, MN
Community Solar Gardens are centrally-located solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers. Could it work for you?Are you interested in going solar but unable to do so on your own? Perhaps you live in an apartment, have a shaded roof at home, or don’t have space at your organization. Where do you want to start? |
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