Update on the 200MW Summit Lake Solar Project in Minnesota
In the heart of southern Minnesota, the Summit Lake Solar Project is taking shape, marking a significant milestone in the state's renewable energy journey. The project, currently in the development phase, aims to commence construction in 2027 and complete by the same year, subject to permit approvals.
The solar farm spans approximately 1,800 acres in Nobles County, connecting to the 345KV Nobles Substation. It will boast a 200-megawatt (MW) capacity, accompanied by a 200 MW / 800 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). This combination is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 297,900 metric tons annually, a significant contribution towards Minnesota's climate goals.
The project is part of a broader regional strategy by National Grid Renewables, with additional solar and storage projects planned in Pipestone County, Martin County, and Rock County's Elk Creek area. The Summit Lake Solar Project is just one piece of a larger puzzle, as Minnesota aims to add about 435 MW of solar capacity over the next decade to meet its carbon-free energy standards.
The economic benefits of the project are substantial. It is projected to create 254 construction jobs and generate new tax revenues for both the county and township governments. However, concerns about the impact on agricultural land have been raised, with Commissioner Bob Demuth Jr. expressing his commitment to agricultural preservation in Nobles County.
The cost of the project will be amortized over 20 years, delivering long-term value to the region. The Summit Lake Solar Project is located in Summit Lake & Elk Townships, Nobles County, Minnesota.
In addition to the Summit Lake Solar Project, 910MW of solar power projects have been approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in Minnesota in the last two months of July and August 2025. These developments aim to increase grid reliability and affordability alongside sustainability, as utilities like Minnesota Power integrate these renewable projects into their long-term resource plans.
The Summit Lake Solar Project represents a key part of National Grid Renewables' efforts to expand clean energy infrastructure in Minnesota, supporting state and national climate goals, enhancing grid reliability, and contributing to a sustainable grid future in the region.
[1] Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, "Order Approving Application for Certificate of Need and Site Certificate for the Summit Lake Solar Project," August 2025. [2] National Grid Renewables, "Summit Lake Solar Project," Accessed October 1, 2025. [3] Minnesota Department of Commerce, "Minnesota Solar Energy Standard," Accessed October 1, 2025. [4] National Grid Renewables, "Environmental and Regulatory Analysis for Summit Lake Solar Project," August 2025. [5] Minnesota Power, "2025 Integrated Resource Plan," Accessed October 1, 2025.
- The Summit Lake Solar Project, part of National Grid Renewables' expansion of clean energy infrastructure in Minnesota, is a significant development in the state's renewable energy industry and environmental science.
- In addition to Summit Lake Solar Project, other solar and storage projects are planned by National Grid Renewables in Pipestone County, Martin County, and Rock County's Elk Creek area, aiming to add about 435 MW of solar capacity over the next decade.
- The Summit Lake Solar Project, located in Summit Lake & Elk Townships, Nobles County, Minnesota, is expected to create 254 construction jobs and generate new tax revenues for both the county and township governments, although concerns about agricultural land have been raised.
- As utilities like Minnesota Power integrate renewable projects into their long-term resource plans, the approved 910MW of solar power projects in Minnesota in the last two months of July and August 2025 aim to increase grid reliability, affordability, and sustainability, while contributing to the state's climate goals and environmental-science advancements.
