Community Solar Operating Capacity Exceeds 800 MW in Minnesota, USA

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 30, Minnesota's community solar garden program in the United States continued to grow, with operating installed capacity of such projects across the state having exceeded 800 MW. This model allows residents to receive electricity bill credits by subscribing to local solar projects without having to purchase and install rooftop photovoltaic equipment themselves, and is becoming a way for the state to expand residential participation in clean energy.

Minneapolis-based community solar developer Enterprise Energy said its projects currently serve about 10,000 households and that it plans to expand the scale of service to about 30,000 households in the coming year. The company also plans to expand its business into Illinois. The above user figures are company-disclosed and projected data, not the total number of community solar users statewide.

Minnesota's community solar program was launched in 2013 and was renamed the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program in 2026. Under state regulations, eligible residents may subscribe to shares in community solar projects and receive corresponding credits through their electricity bills; the new program also requires that at least 30% of each project's capacity be reserved for participation by low- and moderate-income residents.

Community solar projects can offset nearly 100 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year and improve the comprehensive utilization of solar sites through pollinator-friendly vegetation, low-growing crops planted beneath panels, and sheep grazing at some projects.