FAQs & Resources

The King Power Plant is located directly across the border on the St. Croix River and has served customers in the region through the existing grid for decades. To make use of existing grid connections including a large substation, new generation must be sited in close proximity.

Prior to developing the project, our teams looked at ways to re-use the existing grid interconnection at the King power plant. That review included locating new generation on-site at the King power plant or locating new generation nearby in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

We were not able to identify available land for this type of project at the King power plant (which has a small footprint) or in Minnesota, as much of the land near the plant is already developed. Additionally, we looked into building a new natural gas-fueled power plant, but there is not enough pipeline capacity in the area for a new plant. It is important to note that the St. Croix River is now a federally protected Wild and Scenic Riverway, which has strict rules regarding any new development along the river.

Yes, solar panels are safe and are made from durable, mostly recycled materials like glass and polymers that are designed to withstand weather and outdoor conditions. They do not contain any liquids, leak toxic chemicals or emit harmful fumes, and even if damaged, the materials inside remain sealed.

Solar projects can disrupt wildlife habitats, especially during construction. However, all the land leased for the solar project is existing farmland, which means less disruption than if a forest were cleared.

Solar facilities can sometimes offer new habitats or enhance existing ones for specific species, especially when planting native plants and using pollinator-friendly seed mixes, which Xcel Energy is committed to planting post-construction.

The National Audubon Society supports solar power, recognizing its benefits.

Utility-scale battery systems are designed with multiple layers of protection to prevent and contain potential hazards. Safety incidents are uncommon, and local first responders and EMS teams will receive training to ensure they're fully prepared in case of an emergency. In the event of a fire, after it is extinguished, Xcel Energy will be responsible for cleanup and repairs.

Agricultural areas are beneficial because they require little grading or tree clearing. Equally important is access to transmission lines and existing transmission corridors, if possible. This area is also located very close to an existing grid connection, meaning Xcel Energy can re-use that connection, keeping costs lower for customers.

Solar panels are relatively low to the ground and arranged in neat, linear rows and do not exceed 15 feet tall. The design includes setbacks from neighboring homes and roads to reduce visibility. Where possible, the project will use natural screening such as tree plantings or existing vegetation to help the site blend into the surrounding landscape.

Xcel Energy is required to submit a decommissioning plan as part of our project application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. This plan outlines how we will safely remove all solar panels, energy storage containers and equipment and restore the land to its original agricultural use once the project is no longer in operation.

Yes, currently about 90% of the materials that make up solar panels can be recycled. Many of the materials inside — like glass, aluminum and certain metals — can be recovered and reused through specialized recycling programs. As solar technology grows, so does the recycling industry, making it easier to keep panels out of landfills and reduce waste.

Xcel Energy will work with local authorities to establish a Road Use, Repair and Maintenance Agreement (RUMA) prior to construction. This agreement is legally binding and will ensure we are responsible for maintaining and repairing public roads used during construction.

Road use agreements help protect local infrastructure used by heavy equipment by requiring inspections before construction begins and after the project has reached its operational life. This process ensures that roads, bridges and culverts are restored to their original condition or better.

Energy storage systems also known as battery energy storage systems (BESS) store electricity for later use, much like a rechargeable battery but on a much larger scale. When energy generation is plentiful — such as during sunny periods — batteries charge by drawing electricity from the grid or directly from renewable sources like solar or wind. Later, when demand is high or renewable generation is low, the stored electricity is discharged back to the grid to help balance supply and demand. These systems help improve grid reliability, support clean energy use, and reduce the need for fossil fuel backup.

A utility-scale battery energy storage system typically looks like a series of large shipping container-sized units or cabinets filled with battery cells, cooling systems and control equipment. The battery system will be located inside the project site, unable to be accessed outside of the fence. Xcel Energy is evaluating which energy storage technology to use for this project.

A 300 MW system could be sited on approximately 20 acres depending on the technology selected.