The solar developer partnered with Community Action Partners to bring meaningful savings on electric bills to low-income households.
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US Solar has successfully energized its first Community Solar Garden in Minnesota’s Low-to-Moderate Income Accessible Community Solar Garden (LMIA CSG) program. The project, officially known as USS Golden Spike Solar LLC, will lower electricity costs for 3 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.
Community Solar is a program that allows residents and businesses to take part in the renewable energy transition without installing panels on their roofs. Participants who subscribe to a Community Solar Garden receive bill credit savings on their electric bill. Income-qualified households subscribed to Golden Spike are expected to save approximately $250–$300 per year.
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.”
Other key project details of Golden Spike:
• With a capacity of 1.38dc MW, Golden Spike will generate enough energy to power nearly 200 homes.
• Located in Sauk Rapids, MN, the project consists of nearly 2,500 solar modules covering over 8 acres.
• The site has been seeded with native pollinator habitat, which supports critical pollinators like butterflies and bees.
About US Solar: Founded in 2014, US Solar is a national developer, owner, operator, and financier of solar generation and storage projects with a focus on emerging state markets and Community Solar programs. US Solar is proud to have enabled over $8 million in subscriber savings to date. Visit www.us-solar.com for more.
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