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Big news for Cimarron! Thirty residents have officially hopped on board as cooperative members of the new 1,223.75 kW Lake Elmo Solar Garden. What does that mean? Lower electricity bills—at least ten percent off—for the next 25 years! The Solar Garden is now set to start soaking up the sun and generating clean energy by May.
A Community-Powered Effort
It takes a village—or in this case, a strong team of sustainability champions! Sustainable Stillwater MN, Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF), FamilyMeans, the Cimarron Residents Association, and Stillwater Sunrise Rotary teamed up to make this project a reality. Volunteers, including some awesome teens from the Teen Center, hit the ground running—chatting with neighbors, handing out flyers, and spreading the word on social media to get folks signed up.
To make the deal even sweeter, the Rotary provided gift card incentives and covered the $25 Co-op Membership Fee for new subscribers. Who doesn’t love a win-win?
Why This Matters: Energy Savings Where It’s Needed Most
Manufactured homes aren’t exactly known for their insulation superpowers. Keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer can be pricey. That’s where the solar garden comes in! This pilot project is all about showing that clean energy isn’t just for big houses with fancy rooftops—it can benefit everyone, including low-income homeowners who often miss out on these opportunities.
Overcoming Hurdles and Building Trust
Getting folks signed up wasn’t all sunshine and smooth sailing. Language barriers, complicated paperwork, and concerns about providing proof of income made outreach a little tricky. Some residents worried about how sharing financial info (required by the state) could affect their status. But thanks to a dedicated team, the project is nearly at its goal, proving that persistence and community connections make all the difference.
Looking Ahead: Brighter Days for Cimarron
While it might not be obvious at first, this Solar Garden will have a lasting impact. It means lower electricity bills, cleaner air, and a big step toward environmental equity in communities that need it most.
Rick Heidick, Chair of Sustainable Stillwater MN, summed it up perfectly:
“This is a game-changer for underrepresented communities. Not only are we reducing electrical costs and cutting air pollution, but we’re also making sure sustainability is for everyone—not just those who can afford it.”
The future is looking bright for Cimarron, and this project is just the beginning!
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