Brookings Solar Project Ribbon Cutting

Community leaders, project partners, and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the completion of the Brookings Solar Project, a significant investment in locally generated renewable energy. Located just southwest of the Brookings Regional Landfill, the $15.1 million, 5-megawatt solar facility consists of 11,752 solar panels spread across 32 acres.

The project is expected to generate enough electricity annually to serve approximately 1,100 residences throughout the Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) member footprint, which includes 61 communities across the region.

The solar facility is owned by Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) and operated by Missouri River Energy Services (MRES). Electricity produced at the site is delivered through 1.4 miles of buried interconnection line to the 34th Avenue Substation, which is owned and operated by Brookings Municipal Utilities (BMU).

The Brookings Solar Project represents a collaborative effort among municipal utilities and regional energy partners to diversify energy resources, enhance reliability, and support a sustainable energy future for the communities they serve.

Project at a Glance

• Location: Southwest of the Brookings Regional Landfill
• Investment: $15.1 million
• Capacity: 5 megawatts
• Solar Panels: 11,752
• Site Size: 32 acres
• Homes Powered Annually: Approximately 1,100
• Owner: Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA)
• Operator: Missouri River Energy Services (MRES)
• Interconnection Line: 1.4 miles of buried electrical line
• Point of Interconnection: BMU's 34th Avenue Substation
• MRES Service Area: 61 member communities