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Planning commission approves 1 MW community solar garden in Spring Prairie Township
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit for a 1-megawatt community solar garden on roughly 6.63 acres of prime farmland near Highway 9 and CSAH 26; project includes pollinator habitat and a decommissioning bond.
Clay County planning staff and the applicant described a conditional use permit request for a 1-megawatt community solar garden near the intersection of Trunk Highway 9 and County State Aid Highway 26 in Spring Prairie Township. The commission approved the CUP after a public hearing.
Staff said the project would occupy about 6.63 acres of a larger agricultural parcel (parcel ID 27.004.3000) and would include approximately 2,400 solar panels at a maximum panel height within the county’s 15-foot limit. The project would provide community-solar subscription credits to Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota and is planned to begin construction in 2026 with completion in 2027. Staff said the development would incorporate beneficial pollinator habitat and a decommissioning plan requiring removal of equipment and site restoration at the end of its roughly 35-year assumed lifespan.
Staff noted township approval and no public comments were received by the county. The county planner said the project removes about 6.63 acres of prime farmland from production for the duration of the solar facility, but also cited county goals supporting agricultural economic diversification and requirements for pollinator habitat under local ordinance. The planner recommended conditions, and suggested a round decommissioning bond figure of $300,000.
Jacob Van Domlin, representing the applicant, said the proposal is the company’s only project in Clay County and that the team will apply for required access permits through the county engineer. Commissioner Steichen asked about post-installation site maintenance and weed control; staff noted that the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and state statutes require monitoring of beneficial habitat standards for community solar gardens.
Commissioner Steichen moved to approve the conditional use permit; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The permit includes standard conditions such as access permitting, beneficial habitat establishment, decommissioning and bonding, and compliance with county shoreland and setback standards where applicable.
