Solar installations completed at Oxbow Park and Chester Woods Park

Olmsted County has completed four new solar energy installations at Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo and Chester Woods Park, bringing renewable energy to public buildings at both county parks. 

The projects were funded in part through the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Program, a statewide initiative supporting the installation of solar energy systems on public buildings. The program helps public entities reduce long-term energy costs while advancing renewable energy and sustainability goals. 

The completed solar installations are located at the Chester Woods Caretaker House, Chester Woods Main Office, Oxbow Nature Center and Oxbow Park Caretaker’s House. The systems were sized to provide up to 120% of the average annual electricity consumption at each site. 

Each solar array will provide electricity directly to the building where it is installed, helping offset the building’s energy use and reduce long-term operating costs. 

The projects are part of Olmsted County’s broader efforts to increase renewable energy use across county facilities. In 2023, Olmsted County adopted its first Climate Action Plan, a comprehensive framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience against climate impacts. The plan includes 31 measurable activities across five focus areas: building and energy, natural resources, people, transportation, and waste management. Expanding renewable energy at county facilities is a key component of the plan. 

“Solar energy is an important part of how we’re working to make our county facilities more sustainable and resilient,” said Olmsted County Sustainability Coordinator Lorenzo Muñoz. “These installations allow us to generate clean, renewable energy right where it’s being used, while also helping reduce the long-term energy costs of operating our parks. It’s exciting to see the Climate Action Plan translated into projects that will benefit our community for years to come.” 

The four completed installations are part of eight solar projects awarded funding through the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Program. The remaining projects are in progress at the Graham Park Exhibition Center and Public Works Service Center.