Owatonna Community Solar Garden
Solar Snapshot
Expanding Access to Affordable Energy
Community solar creates a pathway for more people to benefit from renewable energy, including residents who may not be able to install solar on their own homes. Recognizing the growing need for affordable energy options, Enterprise Energy developed the Owatonna Community Solar Garden to help expand access to clean, locally generated electricity for Minnesota households.
As Eric Pasi, CEO of Enterprise Energy, shared during the project's ribbon-cutting ceremony, "Community solar gives more people a way to participate in Minnesota's clean energy transition, including those who may not be able to install solar on their own roofs."
The project was designed to support energy affordability while helping more communities participate in Minnesota's ongoing clean energy transition. Speakers at the ribbon-cutting event emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and environmental justice communities to access the benefits of renewable energy.
Bringing the Project to Life
Cedar Creek Energy partnered with Enterprise Energy and Hunt Electric to construct the community solar garden and help bring the project from development to operation. The project represents a significant milestone for Enterprise Energy, serving as the first solar project the company will own and operate long term after years of developing renewable energy projects.
The collaboration brought together developers, builders, financing partners, workforce development organizations, and industry advocates with a shared goal of delivering affordable, renewable energy to Minnesota communities.
Project Impact
Today, the Owatonna Community Solar Garden is generating renewable energy and creating new opportunities for Minnesota residents to participate in community solar. According to project leaders, the solar garden has already secured more than 1,000 subscribers and has the potential to serve approximately 2,000 homes. Subscribers may save around 15% on their electricity costs, helping make clean energy more accessible and affordable.
For Enterprise Energy, the project marks the realization of a long-term vision to not only develop renewable energy projects, but to own and operate them for the communities they serve. For Cedar Creek Energy, it represents another successful partnership advancing community solar and expanding access to clean, affordable energy across Minnesota.
