Fillmore County, Louise Solar Projects to Bring Significant Economic Impact, Jobs to Area – Fillmore County Journal

Two new, large solar fields in Fillmore and Mower counties are expected to make a $30 million economic impact in southeastern Minnesota, including more than $4 million in tax revenue for local townships and counties, as well as the creation of 300 new construction jobs.

The two fields are being constructed by Twin Cities-based National Grid Renewables, a farmer-funded company that owns and operates large-scale 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 development spans approximately 470 acres and will be connected to the electric grid via a local substation.

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

“National Grid Renewables’ contributions to the education fund will have a significant impact by providing high-priority resources for the students within the LeRoy-Ostrander School District to enhance their educational opportunities,” said Superintendent Jennifer Backer-Johnson,  “Investing in younger generations’ futures is paramount to help them achieve success and to provide them with resources to ensure a more sustainable world.”

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

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

“We are dedicated to expanding the role of carbon-free electricity in the energy mix we provide to our Minnesota customers,” says Bria Shea, regional vice president of Planning and Policy for Xcel Energy–Minnesota. “We are excited to include renewable energy from the Fillmore and Louise solar projects in this mix as we move one step closer to the clean energy future.”

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

“We pride ourselves on developing and operating projects that provide positive economic impact for landowners and community members,” says Lindsay Smith, vice president of External Affairs and Communications at National Grid Renewables. We currently have over two gigawatts of projects under construction or in operation, as well as a multi-gigawatt development portfolio throughout the U.S.”

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

She also stresses that solar is more than a clean way to generate electricity.

“It’s a way to support farmers because it diversifies their income and provides income stability, which isn’t impacted by unpredictable weather and markets.”

National Grid Renewables celebrated the two solar power projects during a June 12 event at the Mower County site. The event featured a farmers’ market, showcasing 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.

“Including a farmers’ market at the event was a great way to allow attendees to try and buy some of the area’s best local foods,” said Marlene Petersen, community outreach ambassador at Renewing the Countryside, which helped organize the farmers’ market vendors. “It also supported nine local agribusinesses, all of whom help the regional economy flourish.”

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