July 21, 2026 — Xcel Energy has completed Sherco Solar Phase 3, marking a major step in the company’s effort to transform a retiring coal plant site into a major renewable energy hub.
Located near the existing Sherco plant in Becker, Sherco Solar is the largest solar facility in Minnesota and one of the biggest in the Upper Midwest. With the first three phases now online, the site generates 710 megawatts of electricity from 1.7 million solar panels.
A proposed fourth phase would increase Sherco Solar’s total generating capacity to 910 megawatts by 2029, enough to power more than 190,000 homes. The expansion is expected to create about 300 union construction jobs and generate $90 million in local economic benefits.
“Completing Sherco Solar Phase 3 is a significant step in our efforts to deliver the reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy our customers expect,” said Bria Shea, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. “This project demonstrates how we can build upon existing infrastructure and workforce expertise to meet growing energy needs, create economic opportunities for Minnesota communities and continue advancing our renewable energy transition.”
Luke Molus, senior operations manager for Xcel Energy’s solar and storage sites, said the project represents a new chapter for the Sherco site.
“As someone who grew up in this community and works at this site, it’s exciting to see the next chapter of Sherco taking shape,” Molus said. “For decades, the Sherco plant has helped power our region, and today Sherco Solar is continuing that legacy by delivering reliable energy for customers and creating a new future for this site and the people who work here.”
Xcel Energy said Sherco Solar is a key part of its strategy to maintain reliability while expanding renewable energy resources and keeping customer bills as low as possible. The project also reinforces Becker’s longstanding role as an energy-producing community and demonstrates how existing power plant sites can support the next generation of energy infrastructure.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy serves electricity and gas customers across Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.
