PowerMarket, Saint Paul Housing Agency Launch Community Solar to Cut Energy Costs for Low-Income Residents
PowerMarket has partnered with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to expand access to community solar for thousands of low-income residents in Saint Paul, Minnesota, a move aimed at lowering energy costs while supporting sustainable housing initiatives.
The collaboration will connect affordable housing sites to community solar farms located across the state, including projects in Monticello, Clear Lake, Wabasha, Scandia, Becker and Granite Falls. The initiative marks a significant step in integrating renewable energy solutions into public housing infrastructure.
The Saint Paul Public Housing Agency, established in 1947, currently serves more than 9,000 residents and has long focused on reducing poverty and improving housing conditions. Under the new partnership, savings generated through solar subscriptions will be reinvested into community programs and resident services.
Expanding Access to Clean Energy Savings
Community solar allows participants to subscribe to a portion of a shared solar facility and receive credits on their electricity bills for the energy produced. The model eliminates the need for on-site installations, making it particularly accessible for renters and affordable housing providers.
Subscribers typically save 10% or more annually on electricity costs, offering a practical pathway for low-income households to benefit from renewable energy. The approach is gaining traction nationwide as a cost-effective and scalable solution to expand clean energy adoption.
PowerMarket, which manages 42 community solar gardens in Minnesota totaling more than 62 megawatts of capacity, said the partnership reflects its mission to bring solar savings to underserved communities.
"We’re honored to partner with SPPHA to bring community solar benefits to residents who need it most. Initiatives like this deliver tangible savings on electricity bills, while supporting the broader mission of affordable, sustainable housing. We hope this partnership inspires other housing authorities to explore how community solar can benefit their communities," said Eric Dahnke, CEO and founder of PowerMarket.
Long-Term Impact on Affordable Housing
The solar projects tied to the partnership are expected to generate approximately 6.8 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to power more than 1,000 households. In total, the initiative is projected to deliver over $100,000 in annual energy savings.
Officials say those savings will play a critical role in strengthening housing operations and services for vulnerable populations.
"SPPHA’s partnership with PowerMarket proves that clean solar energy and deeply affordable housing aren’t competing priorities, they go hand in hand,” said Louise Seeba, SPPHA executive director. “The resulting savings flow back into the housing, programs, and services that transform the lives of our residents.”
The program also reflects broader trends in the energy and housing sectors, where public agencies and private developers are increasingly collaborating to integrate sustainability into affordable housing strategies. By leveraging community solar, housing authorities can reduce operating costs without requiring significant upfront capital investment.
Enrollment for the program is open to Saint Paul residents, with participation designed to be simple and free. The initiative is available to customers served by Xcel Energy, further expanding its reach across the region.
As utilities, developers and housing providers seek to balance affordability with sustainability, partnerships like this highlight how renewable energy can serve as both a financial and environmental solution. The Saint Paul initiative may serve as a model for other municipalities looking to deliver clean energy benefits to low-income communities at scale.
Originally reported by POWERMARKET in Utility Dive.
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