Plans for the Summit Lake Solar Project were introduced this week by National Grid Renewables, marking a significant step forward for clean energy in southern Minnesota. The project includes a 200-megawatt (MW) solar facility and an accompanying 200 MW / 800 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS) to be developed in Summit Lake and Elk Townships, Nobles County.
The solar farm will cover approximately 1,800 acres of land near the Nobles Substation northwest of Reading in Summit Lake Township. The BESS will be constructed adjacent to the collector substation, forming a major renewable energy installation in the region.
Project Timeline and Goals
Tom Karas, Senior Project Developer with National Grid Renewables, presented the Summit Lake Solar Project plans to the Nobles County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. He explained that the company is still in the early stages and aims to submit its permit application by the end of 2025. If approved, construction would begin soon after, with completion expected in 2027.
Once operational, the solar farm will connect to the existing 345KV Nobles Substation and feed power directly into the electrical grid. The project is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 297,900 metric tons each year, helping meet state and national climate goals.
Economic and Employment Benefits
In addition to environmental benefits, the Summit Lake Solar Project is expected to bring significant economic advantages to the local community. The $27 million investment will create 254 construction jobs and contribute new tax revenues to both the county and township governments. The cost of the project will be amortized over 20 years, delivering long-term value to the region.
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Community Reactions and Agricultural Concerns
During the presentation, some commissioners expressed concerns about the impact of the project on agricultural land. Commissioner Bob Demuth Jr. emphasized Nobles County’s commitment to agricultural preservation and questioned the trade-offs involved in taking 1,800 acres out of production.
“We’ve taken the stance that we’re an ag preservation county,” Demuth said. “This is going to take 1,800 acres out of production. I’m not against the project, but I need to weigh the pluses and minuses before making a decision.”
Commissioner Gene Metz added that removing farmland from production affects more than just landowners. “For every acre of agriculture taken out, that’s $400 to $500 in input dollars not spent locally. That’s money not going into seed, equipment, or Main Street businesses.”
Broader Renewable Strategy
The Summit Lake Solar Project is part of a broader regional strategy by National Grid Renewables. Additional solar and storage projects are being planned in Pipestone County, near Charlotte Lake in Martin County, and a potential future site in Rock County’s Elk Creek area.
Fact Sheet: Summit Lake Solar Project
Developer: National Grid Renewables
Location: Summit Lake & Elk Townships, Nobles County, Minnesota
Solar Capacity: 200 MW AC
Battery Storage: 200 MW / 800 MWh
Land Area: 1,800 acres
Grid Connection: 345KV Nobles Substation
Estimated Cost: $27 million
Expected Completion: 2027
Emissions Reduction: 297,900 metric tons of CO₂ annually
Job Creation: 254 construction jobs
Other Projects: Pipestone County, Martin County, Rock County
The Summit Lake Solar Project is positioned to become a landmark renewable energy installation in southern Minnesota, balancing environmental benefits with economic development and local concerns.
