Breaking Ground: Four New Community Solar Gardens Bring Minnesota-Made Clean Energy to Local Communities
Enterprise Energy is proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of four new Minnesota community solar gardens (CSGs) that showcase the power of local clean energy partnerships. New projects in Owatonna, Sartell (two projects), and Kasota will deliver long-term energy savings, workforce opportunities, and homegrown renewable energy for Minnesota communities.
The projects bring together a fully Minnesota-based team:
Enterprise Energy as developer and operator
Cedar Creek Energy as construction partner
MinnWest Bank, Sunrise Bank, and MnCIFA as financing partners
Native Sun Community Power Development supporting workforce training opportunities
“These projects are what community solar was meant to be,” said Enterprise Energy CEO Eric Pasi. “We are local organizations coming together to support the communities we serve in Minnesota.”
Expanding Access to Affordable Clean Energy
The projects are part of Minnesota’s newly renamed Melissa Hortman Community Solar Program, honoring the state leader who helped establish Minnesota’s nationally recognized community solar framework.
The community solar gardens will serve households and organizations across Xcel Energy territory, with at least 55% of subscriptions reserved for low- and moderate-income households. Eligible subscribers include homeowners, renters, apartment residents, schools, faith communities, and nonprofits.
Subscribers are expected to save between 8% and 15% annually on electricity costs, with projected savings totaling approximately $4.5 million over 25 years.
Supporting Minnesota Jobs and Communities
Construction of the projects is expected to create 57 good-paying jobs along with onsite apprentice training opportunities.
“These four projects prove the value of the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program in delivering good-paying jobs, workforce training opportunities, growth of Minnesota’s clean energy economy, and clean energy that will benefit generations to come,” said Native Sun founder Bob Blake.
The project sites will also feature pollinator-friendly seed mixes designed to support biodiversity and pollinator habitats throughout Minnesota.
By combining local development, local financing, workforce development, and subscriber savings, these projects demonstrate how Minnesota-made clean energy can strengthen communities while delivering reliable, long-term renewable power across the state.
