Small Scale Solar
Two small solar projects began generating energy in 2020
Blue Heron Solar
Blue Heron Solar is a nearly 40-kilowatt small solar project. Located at our Rush Lake substation near Ottertail, Minnesota, it began generating energy in August 2020. The project includes 104 solar panels on approximately half an acre. Totaling just under $130,000 to construct, we expect Blue Heron Solar to generate around 50 megawatt-hours of energy annually.
Blue Jay Solar
Blue Jay Solar offers a unique partnership with Jamestown High School and is located on the school's property in Jamestown, North Dakota. At almost 40-kilowatts in size, this small solar project began generating energy in June 2020. Like Blue Heron Solar, the project includes 104 solar panels on approximately half an acre. Totaling just under $140,000 to construct, we expect Blue Heron Solar to generate around 50 megawatt-hours of energy annually.
Harnessing the sun to create a cleaner energy future
We installed these solar projects to help meet our solar energy requirement in Minnesota and create solar awareness through education and outreach to our customers and communities.
A diverse mix of energy resources also helps us maintain affordable, reliable service. By 2025 we're targeting our owned and contracted energy generation to be more than 50% renewable, not including MISO market purchases. Carbon emissions from our owned generation resources are targeted to be 50% lower than 2005 levels by 2025 and 97% lower than 2005 levels by 2050—all while keeping residential rates among the lowest in the nation.
Check out the solar production at each of these sites using the links below: