Minnesota’s solar power industry is in a growth spurt that’s about to accelerate. The industry, once focused largely on installing solar photovoltaic panels for homes, businesses, and government, now is seeing a surge in investment by electric utilities. Sparking the surge is a 2013 state law requiring investor-owned utilities to get 1.5 percent of their electricity from solar by 2020.
At least three Minnesota cooperatives are offering solar options to customers who want rooftop solar, but can’t install it because of too much shade, condo restrictions or other reasons. Customers like Dave Willard of Forest Lake have been eager to invest in large, centrally located projects called community solar gardens, whose output is credited to their bills.
Cooperative power companies, especially Great River Energy in Maple Grove, are building more than 20 solar projects this year and next, including the state’s largest community solar garden in Ramsey, Minnesota. Xcel Energy, the state’s largest utility, also is increasing solar investment, likely spurring statewide growth in new solar capacity that far outpaces last year’s 55 percent gain.
Click here to read the full article from David Shaffer at the Star Tribune >>
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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