Marshall’s $32M Solar Farm Now Fully Operational

Issue #269

22 May

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

⛅ Marshall, MN Weather - Mostly cloudy with a high of 61

🗞️ Marshall’s $32M Solar Farm Now Fully Operational

🗞️ Lyon County Pledges Funds for Long-Awaited Marshall Housing Development

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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Marshall’s $32M Solar Farm Now Fully Operational

Marshall’s new solar farm on the city’s north edge has been generating electricity for several months and is reportedly operating efficiently.

The Marshall Solar Plus project, a collaboration between Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and Marshall Municipal Utilities (MMU), includes both solar generation and battery storage, helping to support local energy needs.

The 10-megawatt facility officially went online in December and is designed to supply electricity directly to the Marshall community. Along with 10 megawatts of solar generation, the project includes a five-megawatt battery storage system capable of providing backup energy when solar production is low or demand is high.

This week, representatives from MRES, MMU, Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA), and US Solar—the project’s contractor—gathered in Marshall for a formal dedication ceremony. Due to inclement weather, the event was moved indoors.

The solar installation spans 78 acres and includes approximately 21,000 panels. The project is expected to produce around 23,000 megawatt hours annually—enough electricity to power more than 2,000 homes.

The battery system, designed to deliver four hours of stored power at full capacity, enhances the reliability of the energy supply, enabling flexible energy dispatch during peak demand or cloudy conditions.

The $32 million project not only supports Marshall’s local energy infrastructure but also contributes to broader renewable energy goals. More than 40% of MRES’s energy supply comes from renewable sources.

The organization, which serves 61 member communities across the Midwest, has continued to expand its renewable portfolio with solar, wind, hydroelectric, and carbon-free energy projects.

Beyond power production, the Marshall Solar Plus site is also being developed with environmental stewardship in mind.

The land beneath the panels will be seeded with native, pollinator-friendly vegetation, similar to Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land, promoting biodiversity and land conservation.

Local officials and utility leaders say the project reflects a successful partnership and a long-term investment in clean, resilient energy for the Marshall area.

Lyon County Pledges Funds for Long-Awaited Marshall Housing Development

A developer is making a third attempt to secure state funding for a 60-unit affordable housing project in Marshall, with renewed support from Lyon County officials.

On Tuesday, the Lyon County Board voted to allocate the remaining portion of its state housing funds—approximately $144,000—toward the proposed apartment development.

The project, led by Tapestry Companies, aims to construct family housing on land near London Road in Marshall.

Tapestry previously sought support from both the Marshall City Council and Lyon County Board in 2023 and 2024.

The development narrowly missed approval for tax credits from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency last year, falling just short as funds were depleted before reaching their application.

To strengthen their chances this time, the developers are working with local partners to enhance their proposal. Community financial support is a key factor in the state's scoring criteria for funding applications.

The city of Marshall is contributing by selling the land and reinvesting the proceeds, and is also exploring other incentives such as housing fund allocations or tax increment financing (TIF).

The proposed complex would include one- to four-bedroom units for households earning up to 50% of the area median income. According to project backers, Marshall has not seen a new affordable housing development of this scale in several decades, and the need remains high.

Minnesota Housing is expected to announce funding decisions in December. If selected, the financing process would conclude by late 2026 or early 2027.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Sunday, June 1st
Sunday, June 1 - Wednesday, June 4

  • 2025 First Lutheran VBS in Marshall from 4:00-7:15pm (Snack and Supper Included)

Wednesday, June 4th (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143

  • Ramsey Park Jamboree at Ramsey Park Campground Area in Redwood Falls from 4:30pm - 6:30pm

Thursday, June 5th

  • Makers Market in Granite Falls from 5-8 PM, with live music by Clark Machtemes

Saturday, June 7th
Thursday, June 12th
Friday, June 13th
Saturday, June 14th

  • Ribfest in Echo, MN at Echo Community Park

    • Rib meal will be ready ay 4:00 PM

Tuesday, June 17th

  • Walk for Memories – Dementia Awareness Event at Marshall Area YMCA from 4:00 to 7:00 PM

    • What to Wear: Purple, to show support for dementia awareness

    • Free to attend, no registration needed

    • First 200 attendees get a swag bag

    • Includes vendor booths, live music, giveaways, drawings, and food for purchase

    • T-shirts available for sale

    • Donations: Free-will donations accepted, benefiting the Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network (checks payable to A.C.E. of SW MN)

    • More Info: Visit the Facebook pages for Marshall Area Dementia Awareness Network, Act on Alzheimer’s Marshall, or A.C.E. of SW MN – Lyon/Lincoln County

    • Contact: Jane Nelson Como at 507-829-1143 for questions.

Tuesday, June 17th - Thursday, June 19th

  • MADAN's Dementia Awareness Week Hosted by: Boulder Creek Assisted Living (Memory Care)

    • Event: Virtual Dementia Tours (by appointment only) from 11 AM - 3 PM

    • To Schedule: Call Jan at 507-929-1234

Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
Special Community Events

  • SAIL: Stay Active & Independent For Life brought to you by A.C.E. of SW MN

    • a total of 24 classes every Tuesday and Thursday

    • from April 29 - July 17 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the YMCA in Marshall

  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)

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