Otter Tail Power’s Solar Plant Near Solway Will Power 9,000 Homes by 2026
Otter Tail Power Company is moving forward with a solar energy plant in Solway, expected to power 9,000 homes and create local jobs.
Solway, Minnesota, Otter Tail Power, Solar Energy, Renewable Resources
Solway: Otter Tail Power Company is gearing up to build a massive solar facility called Solway Solar. This project will feature around 100,000 solar panels and is set to power about 9,000 homes once it’s up and running.
Recently, they reached out to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to check if they can recover costs for this project and another one in North Dakota. If all goes well, we could see Solway Solar operational by 2026.
Tim Rogelstad, the president of Otter Tail Power, mentioned that this site is great because it already has the necessary connections for electricity transmission, which helps keep costs down for everyone.
They also expect the facility to bring in about $4.2 million in tax benefits over its 35-year lifespan and create around 70 construction jobs during peak building times.
These solar plants are part of a bigger plan to meet future energy needs. Rogelstad noted that they fit perfectly with their recently approved Minnesota Integrated Resource Plan, which aims to ensure reliable and affordable electricity.
Looking ahead, Otter Tail Power anticipates that by 2030, 57% of their energy will come from renewable sources, all while keeping service safe and economical.
Otter Tail Power, based in Fergus Falls, serves around 133,700 customers across a vast area in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.