Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approves Lake Charlotte Solar and Storage Project in Martin County
St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved site permits for the Lake Charlotte Solar Project and the associated Lake Charlotte Battery Energy Storage System. Located in Rutland Township within Martin County, the project includes a 150-megawatt solar generating facility and a 150-MW/600-megawatt hour battery storage system.
The Commission’s decision follows a comprehensive review process, including an Environmental Assessment and public hearings. The final approval was shaped by public testimony and agency expertise, resulting in a project with strengthened safeguards for the local environment and community.
As part of the approval, the Commission adopted several requirements to mitigate local impacts, including:
- Wildlife-friendly fencing: The project must utilize a security fence designed in coordination with the Department of Natural Resources to account for large wildlife while minimizing the visual impact of the Project.
- Dust and lighting controls: The use of non-chloride products for dust suppression and shielded, downward-facing LED lighting to minimize blue hue and preserve the night sky.
- Noise notification: A requirement for a dedicated webpage to inform neighbors and the city of Northrop of construction schedules, specifically for pile driving activities.
- Vegetation management: Development of a Vegetation Management Plan in coordination with state agencies to support habitat-friendly vegetation for pollinators.
Furthermore, the applicant is responsible for sponsoring the rerouting of Segment 161 of the Prairieland Trail to ensure continued access for local snowmobile clubs.
Projects like Lake Charlotte Solar and Storage support Minnesota’s commitment to achieving 100 percent carbon free electricity by 2040 and play a vital role in meeting growing clean energy demand while strengthening grid reliability. The battery system will allow renewable energy to be stored and dispatched when most needed, improving grid stability during extreme weather.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the project is expected to deliver economic opportunities to Martin County, including new tax revenue for the county, Rutland Township, and local schools, as well as the creation of local construction and long-term operations jobs.
Construction is anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2027, with a targeted completion date in late 2028.
Full record information is available on the PUC’s project webpage.
About
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
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