Xcel Marks Milestone in Solar Power

(Learfield News/Clear Lake, MN) – Xcel Energy announced the completion of Sherco Solar Phase 3, marking another milestone in the company’s transformation of a retiring coal plant into a renewable energy hub.

Located near the existing Sherco plant in Becker, it’s the largest solar facility in Minnesota and one of the biggest in the Upper Midwest.

Xcel says the site now produces 710 megawatts of electricity powered by 1.7 million solar panels.

A proposed fourth phase would bring the Sherco Solar’s total generating capacity to 910 megawatts – capable of powering more than 190,000 homes – by 2029.

Officials say the expansion will create an estimated 300 union construction jobs and $90 million in local economic benefits.