(ABC 6 News) – Enterprise Energy cut the ribbon on its community solar garden in Owatonna on Thursday. The developers said the solar field is meant to provide long-term relief for people struggling to heat and power their homes.
For some families, paying bills means choosing between electricity and food. Renewable energy projects like this one could help reduce that pressure.
“I think energy-savings can’t come soon enough for many people,” said Enterprise Energy CEO, Eric Pasi.
Enterprise Energy said mid to low-income households that subscribe to the garden could save 15% on their energy bill. That is between $13 to 20 based on the average residential electric bill in Minnesota.
These panels could lower electric bills for about 2,000 homes. MnCIFA’s Executive Director, Pete Klein, said he wants to see similar projects across Minnesota.
“This is absolutely going to be replicated throughout the state of Minnesota,” said Klein.
More solar panels can also mean losing hundreds or even thousands of acres of farmland for some people. Developers of Owatonna’s solar garden said they chose land that was not good for farming and are working with farmers to make sure they can benefit from the project as well.
“We’re in an energy affordability crisis right now in this country,” said Pasi.
Many states are turning to renewable energy to help manage rising energy costs. About 30% of Minnesota’s energy is renewable and most of it comes from wind.
In Iowa, just over half of the state’s energy is renewable. Climate experts are still warning officials that it will not be enough to keep up with higher energy demand.
Renewable energy is only part of the equation. The state will also have to determine how to keep data centers and energy infrastructure upgrades from adding more strain to household budgets.
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