Hi all, Community solar gardens have gained in popularity in the U.S. in recent years, particularly in Minnesota, which is now a national leader in the development of solar projects. The state has implemented policies and regulations that support the expansion of these projects. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, in recent years, 16% of the total energy consumed in the state for heating, transportation, electricity generation and industrial work came from renewable sources, compared to an 11% U.S. average. As of 2021, there were more than 700 community solar gardens in operation or under development in the state.
Minnesota has set ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040. The growth of community solar gardens plays a critical role in achieving these targets, as they provide accessible and affordable solar energy to a wide range of customers.
Minnesota’s renewable energy goals are now under threat, however, as the United States Senate has introduced a new energy omnibus bill that would undermine progress made. The bill, which passed out of committee on April 9, 2025, favors big tech companies and utility monopolies as opposed to programs that help ordinary people switch to solar while saving money. The bill would sunset Minnesota’s Community Solar Gardens Program, which is one of the most successful examples of equitable clean energy projects in the state. According to Pouya Najmaie, Policy and Regulatory Director at Cooperative Energy Futures, “Community Solar Gardens power 30,000 Minnesotans, create local jobs, and save people money, especially renters, low-income households and public interest institutions like schools, hospitals, and counties…killing this program is a gift to monopoly utilities—and a slap in the face to workers and families.” Solar United Neighbours, a grassroots non-profit that helps people go solar, explains the energy omnibus bill in more detail and why it is a threat to community solar programs like the ones in Minnesota. To read more about it and/or to take action, click here.
Minnesota has set ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040. The growth of community solar gardens plays a critical role in achieving these targets, as they provide accessible and affordable solar energy to a wide range of customers.
Minnesota’s renewable energy goals are now under threat, however, as the United States Senate has introduced a new energy omnibus bill that would undermine progress made. The bill, which passed out of committee on April 9, 2025, favors big tech companies and utility monopolies as opposed to programs that help ordinary people switch to solar while saving money. The bill would sunset Minnesota’s Community Solar Gardens Program, which is one of the most successful examples of equitable clean energy projects in the state. According to Pouya Najmaie, Policy and Regulatory Director at Cooperative Energy Futures, “Community Solar Gardens power 30,000 Minnesotans, create local jobs, and save people money, especially renters, low-income households and public interest institutions like schools, hospitals, and counties…killing this program is a gift to monopoly utilities—and a slap in the face to workers and families.” Solar United Neighbours, a grassroots non-profit that helps people go solar, explains the energy omnibus bill in more detail and why it is a threat to community solar programs like the ones in Minnesota. To read more about it and/or to take action, click here.
