Small Minnesota town to save big with solar

A small Carver County city is turning to solar power to reduce its electricity bills. The town of Cologne, Minn., just west of the Twin Cities, is joining what's called a community solar garden.

City administrator Jesse Dickson said the town will save about three cents per kilowatt on the electricity used to power City Hall and other municipal property. He said saving pennies per kilowatt will cut spending approximately $1,000,000 over the life of the 25-year deal.

A side benefit is that the solar energy could make the town more attractive place to live, Dickson said.

"Being part of this whole progressive green energy movement, I definitely think will be attractive for people that are considering moving out here," said Dickson. "I can see it becoming a pretty big thing and I like the idea that we can kind of be towards the forefront of that."

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