DODGE CENTER -- Dragonfly Solar LLC of Lakeville has been awarded $1.65 million to install 998 kilowatts of solar capacity at a wind farm near Dodge Center.
It was one of 29 renewable energy projects that received $42 million in grantshanded out Tuesday from Xcel Energy's Renewable Development Fund.
Dave Sparby, president and CEO of Northern States Power Co. of Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company, said in a press release that "the fund's objective is to support development of new renewable energy technologies and renewable energy projects. With the new state solar statute, this round of grants appropriately focuses on the goal of making more cost-effective solar resources available for Xcel Energy customers."
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved Renewable Development Fund grants, which support a portion of project costs, for energy production, research and development, and for block grant distribution to Minnesota colleges and universities.
The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society was awarded $2,661,320 to install 1,000 kilowatts of solar capacity using solar gardens. The project provides the opportunity for homeowners or business owners who cannot have solar on their roofs to participate in solar power generation and to research best practices for community solar in Minnesota through a demonstrable, replicable and scalable pilot project, the press release said.
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Dragonfly Solar LLC is also will be responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction for a solar farm planned near Oronoco. The 517-kilowatt, two-acre installation in the Oronoco Crossings business park could produce enough energy to power nearly 60 homes.
