In 2015, Saint Paul RiverCentre signed an agreement with GreenMark Solar to participate in its Community Solar Garden program. While the building’s electricity would still come from Xcel Energy’s power grid, this long-term purchase agreement allowed GreenMark Solar to partner with Xcel Energy and facilitate development of several mid-size “Solar Gardens” in the local area.

 

These solar installations were constructed over a period of years, between 2017 and 2020. And now, as of summer 2020, the solar power being generated by this subscription is equal to 100% of RiverCentre’s electricity needs.

 

The solar garden program has two notable benefits. First, it reduces the carbon-intensity of RiverCentre’s electricity use by increasing the amount of solar power in Xcel’s mix. Second, the agreement saves RiverCentre money at the same time – almost $46,000 in 2020 alone.

 

For more information about the program, please go to:

cleanenergyresourceteams.org/solargardens#overview