What is Community Solar?
Community solar allows you to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on your home. Instead, you subscribe to a local solar garden and receive credits on your Xcel Energy bill.
Solar for Everyone, Not Just Homeowners
Traditional rooftop solar isn't an option for everyone. Maybe you rent, your roof isn't suitable, or you simply don't want panels on your home. Community solar solves this problem.
A solar garden (also called a community solar farm) is a large-scale solar installation located in your area. Multiple customers can subscribe to a portion of the energy it produces.
The solar garden feeds clean energy directly into the Xcel Energy grid. As a subscriber, you receive credits on your electric bill for your share of the energy produced—saving you money every month.
Solar Garden
Large-scale solar installation in Minnesota
Grid Connected
Energy flows into the Xcel Energy grid
Bill Credits
You receive credits for your share
How Community Solar Works in Minnesota
You Enroll with United Solar Providers
We connect you to a community solar garden in your area. Enrollment is free—there's no cost to sign up, no equipment to install, and no changes to your home required.
The Solar Garden Produces Energy
Your assigned solar garden generates clean, renewable solar energy and feeds it into the Xcel Energy grid. You're allocated a portion of that energy based on your subscription.
You Receive Bill Credits
Xcel Energy credits your account for the solar energy produced by your share of the solar garden. These credits appear directly on your regular Xcel bill.
You Save 5-15% Every Month
We offer these credits at a discount—meaning you pay less for the credits than what they're worth on your bill. This guaranteed discount is how you save 5-15% on your electric costs.
Who Can Participate?
Community solar is available to most Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota
Homeowners
Own a home in Xcel Energy territory? You qualify! No need to worry about roof condition, tree shading, or HOA restrictions.
Renters
Renting your home? No problem! As long as your electric bill is in your name and you're an Xcel Energy customer, you can participate.
Condo & Apartment Owners
Live in a condo or apartment building? If you have your own Xcel Energy account, community solar is available to you.
Requirements
Be an Xcel Energy customer in Minnesota with an active residential account. That's it—no credit check required!
Benefits of Community Solar
Guaranteed Savings
Save 5-15% on your electric bill every month with no hidden fees.
No Installation
Nothing installed on your home. No permits, no construction, no hassle.
Zero Upfront Cost
It costs nothing to enroll. Start saving from day one.
Clean Energy
Support renewable solar energy and reduce your carbon footprint.
No Long-Term Commitment
Cancel anytime with no penalties or termination fees.
Support Local
Your subscription supports Minnesota solar projects and local jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install solar panels on my home?
No! That's the main benefit of community solar. The solar panels are located at a community solar garden, not on your property. Your home stays exactly as it is—no equipment, no installation, no maintenance.
Will I still get my electricity from Xcel Energy?
Yes! Your electricity delivery doesn't change at all. Power still comes through Xcel Energy lines to your home. The only difference is that you receive solar credits on your bill, reducing what you owe.
How much money will I save?
Most customers save between 5-15% on their electric bills. Your exact savings depend on your energy usage and the specific solar garden you're connected to. We guarantee a minimum savings rate.
Is there a cost to sign up?
No! Enrollment is completely free. There are no upfront costs, no equipment to purchase, and no hidden fees. You simply switch your billing source and start saving.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes! You can cancel your community solar subscription at any time with no penalty. We believe in our service and don't lock customers into long-term contracts.
What happens if I move?
If you move within Xcel Energy territory in Minnesota, you can transfer your subscription to your new address. If you move outside the service area, you can cancel with no penalty.
Is there a credit check?
No! We don't require a credit check to enroll in community solar. As long as you have an active Xcel Energy account in good standing, you can participate.