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Osprey Wilds leads learning centers with 716 kW of solar solutions

October 2024

By Shaylyn Bernhardt
Northeast, MN

The first thing visitors see when they arrive at Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, Minn. is a visual demonstration of the organization's values and commitment — a 716 kW solar photovoltaic system covering 3 acres in their prairie, that will produce 1,000,000 kWh annually.

 

When we created our conservation easement with the Minnesota Land Trust in 2021, we made a 3-acre exemption in our prairie to allow for a future solar photovoltaic system that would be big enough to cover all of our needs.

Bryan Wood Executive Director

The new system dwarfs the center's existing solar by 18 times and will produce over three times Osprey Wilds’ annual electricity needs. It also benefits all three partners involved in the project.

Soltek, LLC leases land from Osprey Wilds where the system is installed. In addition to locating discounted materials due to recent changes in California’s solar policies, Soltek received a USDA REAP grant to help purchase the system, allowing them to sell the electricity to East Central Energy (ECE) at a financially attractive rate. ECE entered into a power purchase agreement with Osprey Wilds to provide the carbon-free electricity at a fixed, low rate, saving Osprey Wilds considerably over the 30-year agreement.

“At the beginning, it didn't seem that we would find a way that would be beneficial for all (three parties involved),” Wood explains, “but if you reach out and begin the process, you put yourself in a position to be able to capitalize on opportunities if the right conditions arise. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. I'd encourage other centers to reach out to their utility providers to see if there may be mutual interest in similar projects, and begin having those discussions.”

Since 1968, Osprey Wilds has worked to instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning. 

“This solar project really embodies the values of Osprey Wilds as we try to tread lightly on our planet, reduce our carbon footprint, and do what we can to mitigate the effects of climate change,” Wood shares. “As an environmental learning center, I believe it is our obligation to lead on environmental issues, including clean energy usage. This project seeks to demonstrate, educate, and inspire others about the benefits environmentally and economically for switching to solar electricity.”

 

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center

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