Owatonna Peoples Press
Enterprise Energy CEO Eric Pasi and partners cut the ribbon on the Owatonna Community Solar Garden.
Last Thursday, visitors and partners waded through the mud as the ribbon was cut on Owatonna’s new community solar garden.
The garden was made possible by Minnesota’s posthumously named Melissa Hortman Community Solar Program, which was established in 2013 and requires a minimum of 30% of each garden’s output to be dedicated to low-income households. The program allows homeowners and renters alike to subscribe.
The facility is called a “garden” in part because a pollinator-friendly seed mix developed by Minnesota state agencies has been planted. The mix is designed to increase plant diversity, create competition for invasive species, promote plant community resilience and support pollinators such as honeybees
An aerial view of the solar garden captured in may following the ground breaking.
However, it may be more accurate to refer to it as a solar farm composed of more than 10,000 American-made solar panels. Developers hope the facility will help power 1,200 to 1,500 Owatonna homes and save participants 12% to 15% on their monthly electricity bills. Homeowners and renters who live in homes and apartment buildings, as well as schools, faith communities and nonprofits, can subscribe to solar at their locations.
“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,” Enterprise Energy CEO Eric Pasi said. “Projects like this also show how local communities can help build a stronger energy system, and at Enterprise, we’re proud to develop projects that expand energy access and create lasting value for the communities where we serve.”
The ribbon cutting was the culmination of a collaborative effort between Minnesota-based Enterprise Energy, Cedar Creek Energy, Minnwest Bank, the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority and Sunrise Bank.
“Enterprise Energy spearheaded this project and we’re very excited to be a solution in the midst of the energy affordability crisis that we’re in right now,” Pasi said.
Visit EnterpriseEnergy.com for more information and to sign up.
Reach reporter Tim Messenger at 507-444-2376. © Copyright 2026 Adams MultiMedia of Southern Minnesota. All rights reserved.
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