Solar Array in Haverhill Township Complete
Olmsted County, Cenergy Power, and People’s Energy Cooperative partner on clean energy initiative
A collaborative effort to develop a solar array in Haverhill Township has been completed and is generating electricity in the region. The array was made possible through a partnership between Olmsted County, Cenergy Power, and People’s Energy Cooperative (PEC).
Cenergy, a national leader in solar array construction, is leasing the approximately six acres of Olmsted County-owned land and will sell the power generated from the panels to PEC through a 25-year power purchase agreement.
“It’s exciting to see the fruits of this collaborative effort between Olmsted County, Cenergy Power, and the People’s Energy Cooperative,” said Olmsted County Deputy County Administrator Pete Giesen. “Olmsted County is committed to delivering innovative solutions, using public resources wisely, and protecting environmental resources; using county land for solar technology to generate electricity for residents in the region aligns with that commitment.”
The partnership between Cenergy, PEC, and Olmsted County to restore a polluted site for the purpose of clean energy has a positive environmental impact.
“Cenergy is fortunate to have been selected by People’s Energy to head the development, engineering/design, and construction of the solar project through National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO),” said Cenergy Power Vice President, Sales/Corporate Development Nader Yarpezeshkan. “The collaborative efforts of Cenergy, NRCO, PEC, and Olmsted County is truly a model of how partnerships should perform. Through the support of the Haverhill Township and the local community, it is projects like this that have helped Cenergy and its partners reinvest in communities by creating new clean energy, jobs, and tax revenues.”
“We are pleased to be able to partner with Cenergy and Olmsted County to make this project a reality. It aligns with our mission to provide innovative energy solutions for our members, our values of good stewardship and involvement in our communities, as well as our strategic goal to explore and pursue renewables that provide member value,” said PEC President and CEO Mike Henke. He added, “This project will produce about 2.1 MWh per year, which translates to electricity for about 200 homes in our service territory.”
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Media Contact: Gretchen Williamson, Communications Manager, 507-328-6024