Crater Community Solar - 3 MW Solar PV Facility in the United States

Crater Community Solar is an operational solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United States, with coordinates 44.7987, -95.5083. The plant has a capacity of 3 megawatts (MW), placing it in the small-scale category for solar installations. It is owned and operated by Crater Community Solar, serving the local community with clean energy. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). These policies support the growth of solar energy through tax incentives and renewable energy targets. As a small-scale solar PV plant, it contributes to the diversification of the energy mix and helps meet state renewable energy goals. The environmental significance of Crater Community Solar lies in its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar PV systems have minimal operational emissions and low water usage. The facility supports grid stability by providing distributed generation, and its location in the U.S. benefits from abundant solar resources, enhancing energy independence and sustainability.

The facility is located in a region with moderate solar insolation, typical of the northern United States. Solar PV installations like this one help reduce land-use impact compared to fossil fuel extraction, though they require careful siting to avoid habitat disruption. The plant's small scale minimizes visual and ecological footprint, while contributing to local renewable energy capacity and grid resilience.