Shiloh Temple Community Solar Garden

Shiloh Temple Community Solar Garden

The Community Solar Garden located on the rooftop at Shiloh Temple International Ministries is one of the first solar gardens in Minneapolis, but that isn’t what stands out to Shiloh Temple’s pastor, Bishop Richard Howell. What stands out to Bishop Howell is the impact it will have on the surrounding North Minneapolis community.

“This is a triumphant moment for our community.” says Howell “And I’m proud to be a part of the process of restoring economic justice to our community.”

Every aspect of the garden is community focused. New Energy Equity's install crew consisted of local community members hired through a jobs training program and unlike most gardens, congregation members, neighborhood residents, and local businesses will be invited to subscribe first. “To me and my family it means an awesome opportunity.” said Noy Koumalasy, a north Minneapolis resident “Once we subscribe to the array it will definitely mean less bills for me.”

Many other solar gardens being developed only allow large corporations or local governments to subscribe. This garden will demonstrate a new model for community solar gardens by locating clean energy in a low-income community of color, creating green jobs for local residents, and making sure that low-income families have access to community solar.