How it Works
Solar: Leading the Energy Transition
The future is bright in Wisconsin - literally. Generating solar power allows us to harness this reliable and abundant renewable resource and invest in our energy future. The way we power our lives is changing, and at Xcel Energy we are taking care to ensure that change is good for the communities we serve.
How Does Solar Work?
- Sunlight hits panels creating an electric current.
- An inverter is used to change Direct Current (DC) power created by the panels into Alternating Current (AC) power.
- A battery energy storage system captures and stores surplus electricity and sends it to the grid when needed. AC power from solar panels can be sent directly to the grid for use.
- Substation increases voltage for transmitting electricity.
- High-voltage electricity is transferred over long distances via transmission lines.
- Substation decreases voltage for distribution.
- Lower voltage electricity is transferred to homes and businesses via distribution lines.
Solar PV is the primary type of solar energy deployed in the U.S. and around the world.
Understanding Energy Storage
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 or windy periods — batteries charge by drawing electricity from the grid or directly from renewable sources like solar. Later, when demand is high or renewable generation is low, the stored electricity is discharged to the grid to help balance supply and demand. These systems help improve grid reliability, maintain affordability and reduce the need for fossil fuel generation backup.
Solar + Storage
During the day, solar panels often produce more energy than is immediately needed. Instead of letting that extra energy go unused, the storage system captures and stores it in batteries. Later—whether at night, on cloudy days, or during times of high demand—that stored solar power is released back into the grid to keep electricity flowing.
More solar projects are being built with energy storage because batteries make clean energy available even when the sun isn't shining and help keep the grid stable during periods of high demand. As energy storage technology improves and costs come down, pairing solar with storage is becoming a standard feature of new solar energy projects.
Energy Storage Benefits to Western Wisconsin
Energy storage adds an extra layer of protection to our electric system. Storage technology can help keep the lights on during peak demand or during extreme weather by providing backup power when the grid needs it most. They also help smooth out the natural ups and downs of solar generation, making electricity more consistent and dependable.
Proven Track Record
Solar energy is a reliable and abundant resource—and the technology used to capture it is well established, with decades of proven performance generating emission-free electricity across the globe. With millions of systems installed in the U.S. alone, solar power has a strong track record of safe operation and long-term performance. Solar facilities are becoming the standard for renewable development as the two technologies paired together to create a more reliable grid and bring down customer costs.
Xcel Energy is among the utilities leading the way in building solar projects that provide affordable, long-term power for communities. These investments strengthen local economies and help ensure a more resilient energy future.