Community Solar available to Redwood Electric Cooperative members
Redwood Electric Cooperative members can participate in a new community solar program offered from their member-owned electric cooperative. Redwood Electric Cooperative constructed a 134.4 kW community solar array next to its Highwater substation next to Highwater Ethanol plant outside of Lamberton. The new solar array gives Redwood Electric Cooperative members a local renewable energy option.
“At the same location Highwater Ethanol is producing renewable fuel, Redwood Electric Cooperative is now producing renewable electricity” states Redwood Electric Cooperative General Manager Ron Horman. “The electricity generated by the solar array is used by Redwood Electric Cooperative members” Horman added.
The 448 panel solar array should produce approximately 224,000 kWh’s per year. That’s enough electricity to power about 23 homes. The array was manufactured by tenKsolar, a Minnesota company. Zinniel Electric of Sleepy Eye was the installation contractor. Construction started in late 2015 and after testing, Redwood Electric Cooperative has begun offering the program to its members.
“We offer members two options for participating in the program” explains Sarah Groebner, Redwood Electric Cooperative Member Services Specialist. “We wanted our members to have options that are best for them and are comfortable with.” Redwood Electric Cooperative members can participate by either paying $1,175 per panel upfront or pay each month at $.14/kWh on their monthly energy bill. “Participating members receive a portion of the array’s generation each month” expanded Groebner.
Community solar is a hot topic in Minnesota. Investor owned utilities in the state are required to offer a community solar option. Rural electric cooperatives like Redwood Electric Cooperative have created community solar programs voluntarily to meet the needs of its members. More information about Redwood Electric’s Community Solar project is available on its website (redwoodelectric.com) or by calling the Redwood Electric Cooperative office (507-692-2214).