By Scout Nelson
A small farm in Aitkin County, Minnesota, is using solar energy to improve its reliability, protect agricultural products and prepare for power outages. Kelley Rajala and Eric Robinson, owners of Clear Lake Gardens, installed a solar power system with support from the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) Farmer Climate Action Fund. The project supports their goal of operating the farm entirely on renewable energy.
For farmers on off-grid properties, reliable electricity can be difficult and expensive to access. Remote locations may also experience longer delays when power lines need repairs. These disruptions can affect essential activities such as irrigation, refrigeration and livestock care. Solar energy provides an alternative source of electricity that can help farms maintain important operations during outages.
Rajala and Robinson manage approximately two acres of growing space on Rajala’s family property. Clear Lake Gardens produces kale, tomatoes, raspberries, flowers and garlic. The farm also hosts community coffee hours and Food as Medicine panel discussions, supporting the couple’s goal of strengthening the local economy through locally grown products.
Electricity is essential to the farm’s daily activities. An irrigation system pumps water from a well, while refrigeration units keep harvested produce fresh before market sales. Power interruptions can affect both systems and increase the risk of crop damage and food spoilage.
The farm’s laying hens also depend on electricity. During winter, timed lighting helps maintain the chickens’ regular schedule and support egg production. An electric heating element prevents the water in their feeder from freezing during cold weather. Extended outages, particularly during ice storms, could disrupt poultry care and other essential operations.
With assistance from the Farmer Climate Action Fund, Rajala and Robinson initially purchased 10 solar panels, an inverter and a battery. Rajala later expanded the installation through additional opportunities, increasing the system to 30 panels.
The solar project marks an important step toward the farm’s renewable energy goals. Rajala said, “With help from the Farmer Climate Action Fund we’ve finally built a solar power system. It’s the start of my dream to run the whole farm off the sun,”
The expanded system now powers the well pump, fans and refrigeration units. It provides an additional source of electricity for essential farm activities, helping protect harvested produce and support the care of the chickens.
The benefits may also reach the surrounding community. Rajala hopes Clear Lake Gardens can serve as a designated gathering place during emergencies, allowing neighbors to charge essential equipment and electronic devices when regular electricity services are unavailable.
In 2026, the Farmer Climate Action Fund supported 62 projects across Greater Minnesota. The program is backed by the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund at The Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation. It supports farmer-led projects focused on climate adaptation and mitigation, including cover cropping, biochar, root cellars and energy-efficiency improvements.
The Clear Lake Gardens project highlights how renewable energy investments can strengthen farm operations and support rural communities. Through its solar installation, the farm is working toward greater energy independence while creating a potential resource for neighbors during emergencies.
Photo Credit: university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Rural Lifestyle, Sustainable Agriculture, Weather