SunShare completed three new solar gardens in Scott County, Minnesota that are now providing 4.5 MW of renewable energy to more than 800 households in and the county.
These systems mark SunShare’s 80th megawatt of Minnesota community solar and deliver approximately 11% on subscriber’s electricity costs during the garden’s first year of operation. SunShare has enrolled approximately 70% of Minnesota’s active residential community solar subscribers.
“Minnesota is the top community solar state in the nation, and we are proud to play such a huge role in ensuring that residents, and not just large commercial entities, can receive the benefits of the clean, renewable energy that our gardens produce,” said David Amster-Olszewski, SunShare’s founder and CEO.
The state mandates that community solar subscribers must reside within the same county or one adjacent to the system’s location, so by building new gardens around the state, unserved locations are offered the choice of community solar energy.
“We are committed to energy choice for Minnesotans,” Amster-Olszewski said. “Minnesota has one of the strongest community solar programs in the nation, and we will not stop working until everyone in the state can make the choice to participate in solar energy, regardless of the location of the panels.”
All three gardens are currently fully subscribed. However, residents can still join the waiting list and secure a spot should openings occur.
The construction of these projects was funded through a loan from ANB Bank, which is a regular supporter of community solar development with SunShare, and was commissioned by Xcel Energy.
“ANB is committed to supporting renewable energy development, especially through projects that directly serve local communities,” said Bob Lynn, senior VP at ANB Bank. “We have been proud to work with SunShare once again to help Minnesota move closer to its renewable energy goals.”
