Dive Brief:
- NRG Energy has begun construction on five community solar projects in Minnesota, totaling almost 23 MW (AC) of renewable capacity.
- The company said its has also found several national businesses to purchase the power, including U.S. Bank, Lake O'Lakes, Macy's and EcoLab.
- All of the projects will be online early next year, and will serve both residential and business customers under 25-year Solar Subscription Agreements (SSAs).
Dive Insight:
Minnesota's reputation as a community solar hotspot is broadening, as NRG Energy announced plans to build community solar projects in the state. Community solar is a popular option among utilities and developers, since it can bring solar benefits for customers regardless of who owns a roof.
NRG says it has already signed more than 1,000 SSAs with residential customers, and the power will also be going to some well-known corporations. Macy's has three retail sites that will subscribe, and U.S. Bank will buy power for a half dozen locations including its U.S. Bank Plaza in Minneapolis.
The projects include: the 5 MW (AC) Forest Lake Project in Washington County; 5 MW (AC) Farmington Project in Dakota County; 2.9 MW (AC) Pine Island Project in Goodhue County; 5 MW Highway 14 Project in Olmstead County; and the 5 MW Dodge Project in Dodge County.
NRG's interest in renewable energy appears to be broadening despite the abrupt departure of its CEO David Crane. Earlier this month, NRG collected 2,100 MW of renewable energy projects in development stage from bankrupt company SunEdison in an auction.
NRG said all of the projects are expected to be complete by early 2017.