Dive Brief:
- Xcel Energy has filed plans with Minnesota regulators to double the amount of solar-generated electricity in the system through a "solar garden" program.
- Solar garden programs, or community solar, give consumers the ability to buy into a centralized solar farm.
- Under the program, Xcel would choose a developer and customers would buy shares of the garden through the developer. Customers would not use the power themselves and would instead receive credit on electricity bills.
Dive Insight:
Xcel says rooftop solar will only work for 20%-25% of customer residences. Solar gardens enable customers who are unable to install solar panels themselves to get their energy from renewable sources. It will be interesting to see if other U.S. utilities follow Xcel's lead in offering their customers the option to take part in community solar.