Did you know that as an Xcel Energy customer, you’re already using renewable energy? Today, about 29 percent of the energy you use comes from renewable sources. At a low cost, solar power, wind energy, and other sources all add up to create a diverse fuel mix to meet your energy needs. For those looking to invest in even more green energy, we offer a variety of renewable energy options to choose from. 

Find the Renewable Program for you

Not sure which renewable energy option is right for you?  With a quick comparison chart, we make it easy to find the program that fits your needs.

	Standard Energy Mix	Renewable*Connect®	Windsource®	Solar*Rewards Community®	Solar*Rewards®	Net Metering Without Incentives
Energy Source	16% Wind, 2% Solar, 8% other renewables, 74% non renewables
Cost to participant	26% renewable energy at no extra cost	Subscription fee on Xcel Energy bill	Subscription fee on Xcel Energy bill	Subscription fee paid to solar garden per  contract terms	Pay solar installer for equipment per  contract terms	Pay installer for equipment per contract terms
Financial Benefit	Lowest cost renewables keep rates low for everyone	Personal per kWh fuel credit for using solar	Personal per kWh fuel credit for using wind	Bill credit payment for solar energy produced	Monthly energy use is offset by solar, plus incentive per kWh of solar	Monthly energy use  is offset by solar
Requires on-site installation
Minimum contract length	None	0 to 10 years	None	Up to 25 years	Up to 10 years	None
Increases costs for non-participating customers
Contract with	No Contract			Solar Garden Company	1) Solar Installer – equipment 2) Xcel Energy – interconnection & incentive	1) Installer – equipment 2) Xcel Energy – interconnection
Earn renewable energy credits*

* Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are the currency used to measure renewable energy produced and used to meet renewable energy goals. If the renewable program allows you to keep the RECs, that renewable energy doesn't count toward our goals and would be over and above the renewable energy we would otherwise produce to meet our goals. Participants choosing these options can claim that they are offsetting their energy use or are using renewable energy. If the renewable program shifts the RECs to us, Xcel Energy, all customers share the benefit of the renewable energy, but you can't actually claim to offset energy use or claim that you've switched to renewable energy.

Explore our programs