Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency is buying the output from a 5 megawatt solar farm near Owatonna

SMMPA is buying the electricity generated over 20 years from the 5 megawatt solar photovoltaic array that was built and is owned and operated by Lemmond Solar Center, LLC. Through an agreement with Lemond Solar Center, LLC, a subsidiary of Enerparc Inc., LLC. The project, which supplies the annual power needs of approximately 775 homes, is sited on approximately 40 acres near Owatonna, MN one of SMMPA’s member communities.

A portion of the output of the project will be used for SMMPA members’ Solar Choice community solar program until the Solar Choice participation rate is determined. If the participation rate in that program is high enough, a separate solar project will be built exclusively for that program.

“SMMPA and our members have been looking forward to having a large stake in solar to expand our already significant renewable energy portfolio, and we thank everyone who worked hard  to make this a successful project,” said Dave Geschwind, SMMPA’s Executive Director and CEO.

SMMPA has also partnered with Central Municipal Power Agency/Services (CMPAS) of Blue Earth, Minnesota under an arrangement where CMPAS will buy the output from 280kW of the project.

An open house will be held Thursday, July 13th, from 4-5 p.m. at the Lemond Solar Center, 4043 SW 8th Street, Owatonna, MN.

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