March 28, 2024
Global Renewable News

XCEL ENERGY
Xcel Energy community solar garden program is the largest in the country
Program delivering more than 100 megawatts of clean energy from 40 gardens

October 5, 2017

Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards Community® program now has 40 active community solar gardens delivering more than 100 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to customers - making this the largest community solar garden program in the country.

"This is a significant moment for the solar industry and we want to recognize all the partners who played a role in making Solar*Rewards Community® the largest community solar garden program in the nation," said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. "Xcel Energy recognizes that our customers and communities want more renewable energy options. We are well on our way to deliver a third of our energy from renewables by 2030, and solar plays a role in achieving this ambitious goal."

"NRG Energy is proud to have worked with Xcel Energy on achieving the unparalleled milestone of 100 megawatts of community solar," said Craig Cornelius, senior vice president, Renewables, NRG Energy. "What Xcel Energy has accomplished is a great example of the commitment, drive and determination needed to succeed in developing solar generation systems. With their program, Xcel Energy has set the gold standard for those who will follow in advancing community solar and allowing residential, business and industrial customers to take advantage of the benefits of solar power."

"Cypress Creek is proud to be a part of Xcel Energy's innovative Solar*Rewards Community®," said Matt McGovern, CEO, Cypress Creek Renewables. "Thanks to Xcel Energy's leadership, affordable solar energy is now more accessible to Minnesotans than ever before. We are thrilled to have our Empire and Blue Lake solar gardens included in the program and look forward to bringing more local solar gardens online this year."

"Xcel Energy has designed a community solar program that makes business sense to the utility, independent developers, and large or small customers, "said Raj Rajan, vice president, research, development & engineering, Ecolab.  "I am proud of the fact that Ecolab was Xcel Energy's first commercial and industrial customer to go public with its full commitment to this program, encouraging other large customers to join us to scale-up and speed-up its success."

Xcel Energy currently has more than 139 megawatts of clean, renewable energy online from solar gardens across Minnesota. There are nearly 180 solar garden projects totaling more than 475 megawatts currently in the design or the construction phase. Xcel Energy estimates that up to 150-200 additional megawatts could be online by the end of the year.

About Solar*Rewards Community®

Community solar gardens reflect Minnesota's growing commitment to renewable energy. The solar gardens are an alternative to private solar panels; residents, business owners, nonprofits and municipalities may purchase subscriptions to a solar garden without having to install solar panels on their own roof or property. Subscribers receive credit on their bills for the power their panels produce. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the program in early 2014 to improve access to renewable energy for businesses and residences in Minnesota.

For more information on community solar gardens please visit the Xcel Energy website.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

For more information

Xcel Energy, Inc.
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis Minnesota
United States 55401
www.xcelenergy.com


Xcel Energy
Media Relations Representatives
612-215-5300


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