US Solar announced it has energized its first Community Solar Garden in Minnesota’s Low-to-Moderate Income Accessible Community Solar Garden (LMIA CSG) program. The 1.38-MWDC USS Golden Spike Solar project will lower electricity costs for three affordable housing providers and nearly 135 households, while providing clean electricity to the local grid.
“Golden Spike is a prime example of our efforts to make solar energy accessible while lowering burdensome electric costs for low-income households, renters, and small businesses,” said US Solar president Reed Richerson.
Golden Spike is located in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, and has been seeded with native pollinator habitat to support critical pollinators like butterflies and bees.
While US Solar financed, developed, owns and operates Golden Spike, the company pioneered a new kind of working relationship for help reaching income-qualified households. By partnering with two Community Action Partners, Prairie Five and United Community Action Partnership (UCAP), US Solar was able to connect those households with energy savings. The partnership came together with the help of the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit coalition of public agencies and organizations working to advance clean energy.
“At a time when more Minnesotans are struggling to pay their bills than ever, participating in programs like Minnesota’s LMIA CSG program is a vital way to reduce the energy burden,” said UCAP Executive Director Debi Brandt. “We’re thrilled to partner with US Solar and help the households we serve access the cost savings of community solar.”
News item from US Solar
