Fillmore and Louise County Solar Projects Will Bring Significant Economic Impact and Jobs to the Region

Workers install cables in the inverter. Photo: Axel Gumbel

Workers installing panels — Workers install a solar panel in Fillmore County. Photo: Axel Gumbel

Ladies holding a check — Jennifer Backer-Johnson, Sharon Jacobson, Deb Reburn and Angie Olson of LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools and Bailey Peterson Webster of National Grid Renewables pose with a symbolic grant check. Photo courtesy of National Grid Renewables

Fillmore County Solar Project — The Fillmore County Solar project covers 470 acres along 140th Street south of Spring Valley, just off Highway 44. Photo: Axel Gumbel

Close-up of solar panels — The solar panels are manufactured by Arizona-based First Solar. Photo: Axel Gumbel

Two new large solar fields in Fillmore and Mower counties are expected to generate $30 million in economic benefits for southeastern Minnesota, including more than $4 million in tax revenue for local municipalities and counties, and create 300 new construction jobs.

Both fields are being built by Twin Cities-based National Grid Renewables, a farmer-funded company that owns and operates large renewable energy projects across the U.S.

The Fillmore County Solar Project is located along 140th Street near Highway 63 south of Spring Valley. The 45-megawatt project covers about 470 acres and will be connected to the electric grid through a local substation.

The field is expected to generate nearly $2 million in tax revenue over its first 20 years of operation. This includes 150 new construction jobs. As part of the Fillmore County Solar Project, LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools will also receive an annual grant of $9,000 for the next 20 years.

“National Grid Renewables’ contribution to the education fund will have a significant impact by providing students in the LeRoy-Ostrander School District with the highest priority resources that will allow them to expand their educational opportunities,” said Principal Jennifer Backer-Johnson, “Investing in the future of younger generations is crucial if we are to help them succeed and provide them with the resources they need to create a more sustainable world.”

Once fully operational, electricity generated by the Fillmore County project will be distributed by Xcel Energy. National Grid Renewables says the electricity generated will be equal to 59,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided per year, or 13,200 cars taken off the road for one year.

The Louise Solar Project in Mower County is slightly larger (50 megawatts) and is located along Minnesota Highway 56 east of Adams. Both projects have power purchase agreements with Xcel Energy, which has committed to providing its customers with 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.

“We are committed to expanding the role of carbon-free electricity in the energy mix we deliver to our customers in Minnesota,” said Bria Shea, regional vice president of planning and policy for Xcel Energy–Minnesota. “We are excited to bring renewable energy from the Fillmore and Louise solar projects into that mix as we move one step closer to a clean energy future.”

Both solar projects are being built by Berry Construction Company, which is in its fifth year of designing and building solar projects in Minnesota with National Grid Renewables. The Series 6 Plus bifacial solar modules are being designed and manufactured by First Solar Inc., based in Arizona.

“We pride ourselves on developing and operating projects that have a positive economic impact on landowners and community members,” said Lindsay Smith, vice president of external affairs and communications for National Grid Renewables. We currently have more than two gigawatts of projects under construction or in operation, as well as a multi-gigawatt development portfolio across the United States.”

Smith adds that National Grid Renewables selects sites based on access to existing transmission infrastructure, available land, interested landowners, adequate solar resources, customer demand and a supportive community.

It also emphasizes that solar energy is more than just a clean way to generate electricity.

“It’s a way to support farmers because it diversifies their income and provides them with stability that is not affected by unpredictable weather and markets.”

National Grid Renewables celebrated two solar energy projects at an event June 12 in Mower County. The event included a farmers market featuring local farmers and vendors, including Squash Blossom Farm, Leafy Legacy Family Farm, Seven Songs Organic Farm, CannonBelles Cheese, Carlson Roasting, The Bee Shed, Simple Soaps for Simple Folks, Joe Mama BBQ Sauce and Schmidt Farm.

“Incorporating the farmers market into the event was a great way for attendees to sample and purchase some of the best local food in the area,” said Marlene Petersen, community outreach ambassador for Renewing the Countryside, who helped organize vendors at the farmers market. “It also supported nine local agricultural businesses that contribute to the regional economy.”