Camp Ripley solar farm construction delayed due to storm damage
Minnesota Power recently halted construction at its new solar power plant at the National Guard’s Camp Ripley military base due to storm damage and high winds that caused substantial damage to the nearly completed solar array at the base near Little Falls, Minnesota.
“It’s an unfortunate delay to the project, but we are confident we’ll rebuild and bring this renewable partnership with the National Guard back to its fullest potential,” ALLETE CEO, President and Chairman Al Hodnik said. “The solar power plant is a key component of Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward strategy to add renewable energy to our energy mix while transforming the nation’s energy landscape working in partnership with Camp Ripley, Little Falls and Morrison County.”
High winds damaged an estimated 25 percent of the 97 rows of solar panels already installed at the development site. Damages include broken solar panels, wiring and racks. Items were damaged by a large storage container and other debris thrown across the 53,000-acre military base.
Hodnik said that Minnesota Power still intends to maintain its vision for the facility. When complete, the $25 million solar power plant will generate enough electricity to power 1,700 homes per year.
Minnesota Power is a subsidiary of ALLETE. When complete, the solar farm will be the largest solar facility on a military base.
