The Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) recently completed the installation of a 40kW roof-mounted, grid-tied PV system on three workforce housing buildings at the Sprucewood Townhomes of Baxter.
Showcasing how solar can stabilize energy costs, the project was a collaboration between RREAL, the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership (CMHP) and Kueper's Construction. Energy cost stabilization will reduce the long-term operating costs and help make it an affordable housing development.
The CMHP provides housing opportunities and education to under-resourced communities and families in the area. RREAL's mission of making solar energy accessible to people and communities of all income levels complements the work of the CMHP and continues to advance the core goals and mission of Region 5 Development Commission's Resilient Region initiative.
Expected to produce nearly 50,000 kWh annually and offset more than 1,000 tons of carbon emissions over the next 30 years, this project will help create family housing that is affordable and energy-secure for many years to come.
To learn more about this project or RREAL's work, visit www.rreal.org or call 218-587-4753.
