Xcel Energy Enlists Customers To Create ‘Solar Garden’ For Northern, Western Wisconsin

A western Wisconsin utility is calling on its customers to help build the largest community “solar garden” program in the state.

Xcel Energy’s Community Solar Garden Program is enlisting people and businesses to buy shares in solar arrays around northern and western Wisconsin capable of generating up to three megawatts. Upfront costs would pay for Xcel to build the infrastructure with shareholders getting credits for electricity produced.

Deb Erwin, Xcel’s manager of regulatory policy, said it’s a new way for customers to get into solar energy.

“For some folks who maybe can’t or don’t have the ability to install solar at their own homes or businesses, it’s another option for them to participate in a community solar installation,” she said.

Xcel Energy isn’t the first to pounce on the idea of solar gardens: A 305-kilowatt facility built by Vernon Electric Coop went online last June.