Work Begins On One Of Minnesota's Largest Solar Projects
An affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC started construction on a large scale solar project in Lyon County, near Marshall, Minn., this week. When complete, it will be the third largest solar installation in the state.
Xcel Energy to purchase power from the facility
An affiliate of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC started construction on a large scale solar project in Lyon County, near Marshall, Minn., this week. When complete, it will be the third largest solar installation in the state.
The project, a 62.25-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility, will be built, owned and operated by Marshall Solar, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. The Marshall Solar Energy Project would occupy approximately 355 acres of privately-owned property four miles east of Marshall.
“As the world’s largest generator of energy from the wind and the sun, NextEra Energy Resources is pleased to have our first opportunity to build a large-scale solar energy center in Minnesota,” said Tim Oliver, executive director of development for NextEra Energy Resources. “We look forward to advancing our partnership with Xcel Energy to help meet the clean energy needs of Minnesotans.”
NextEra Energy Resources says that the Marshall Solar Project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 15,000 Minnesota homes and avoid about 87,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The solar energy generated at this site is part of Xcel Energy’s plan to add more solar to its system with long term purchase power agreements.
“We’re proud to work with NextEra Energy Resources as we bring more competitively priced solar energy to our customers , ’’ said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “Marshall is one of several large solar projects coming on line this year that support our efforts to have more than a third of our energy generated from renewables by 2030.”
Construction and operation of the Marshall Solar Energy Project will also boost the southwest Minnesota economy by creating nearly 250 jobs during the construction phase and an estimated $400,000 in annual tax revenue for the state and local governments, as well as area schools, during the operational life of the Project.
The Marshall Solar Project is expected to start commercial operations in December 2016.
Source: Xcel Energy