Andersen has signed subscription agreements for up to 19 MW of solar power through Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards Communities solar garden program.
Established by the Minnesota state legislature in 2013, the program allows customers of the State’s investor-owned utilities to receive a share of electricity output from a community solar system.
Andersen Corporation signed subscription agreements with renewable energy companies SunShare, SunEdison, and BHE Renewables in partnership with developer Geronimo Energy.
Of the 19 MW of potential subscribed shares, proposed projects totaling 13.6 MW of solar are currently in queue for approval.
Subscribed shares will be attributed to three of the company’s Minnesota facilities, including its Renewal by Andersen headquarters in Cottage Grove, its Corporate Administrative Offices in Oak Park Heights, and its Andersen manufacturing plant in Bayport.
The electricity that will be produced by the estimated 13.6 MW of solar power currently proposed is more than the current combined annual electrical use of the company’s Cottage Grove and Oak Park Heights facilities.
Andersen Corporation sustainability and environmental director Eliza Clark said: "We are proud to help advance a clean energy economy – through the energy efficiency solutions we provide for our customers, and the commitment we have made to increase access to clean, renewable power in Minnesota."
"We are also proud to have selected allies that have agreed to establish site management practices that benefit pollinators and other wildlife. Community solar projects are truly a win for people, the planet and our economy."