EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – This month marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy in the Chippewa Valley as Xcel Energy announces the operation of the Chippewa Sun solar array in the town of Hallie.

This five megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system is expected to generate approximately 10 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year for its three subscribing partners: UW-Eau Claire (The Sonnentag), Pablo Group and the City of Eau Claire.

“The commercial operation of Chippewa Sun is a testament to the leadership and vision of our three subscribing customers, and the dedication of our exceptional contractors and suppliers,” said Karl Hoesly, president, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. “This project not only propels us toward our vision of providing 100% carbon-free electricity to our customers by 2050, but it also advances the individual sustainability goals of our partners.”

Chippewa Sun is located just outside Eau Claire and will be integrated into Xcel Energy’s distribution system. Xcel Energy is purchasing the electricity from the facility to support the three subscribing partners.

UW-Eau Claire is the largest subscriber to Chippewa Sun and the energy generated at the solar array will offset 100% of the electricity used at The Sonnentag.

“UW-Eau Claire is proud The Sonnentag has become a shining example of sustainability, and that would not have been possible without the support of Xcel Energy, our friends at Pablo Group, the City of Eau Claire and the remarkable gift John and Carolyn Sonnentag gave this community,” UW-Eau Claire Chancellor James Schmidt said. “The Sonnentag is the largest LEED Gold Certified recreational center in the nation operated by a public university. The Sonnentags, our students and our community partners came together to make this dream a reality.”

“Chippewa Sun is an exciting step forward in Eau Claire’s commitment to clean energy and sustainability,” said Emily Berge, Council President, City of Eau Claire. “Through this partnership, we can offset electricity use at several city buildings, including City Hall and the water treatment plant, helping us reach our renewable energy goals outlined in the Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP). Investing in projects like this supports local economic development and strengthens our community’s role in the clean energy transition—without the challenges of owning and maintaining on-site infrastructure.”

“Reducing the environmental impact of the SpringHill Suites by Marriott during the design phase was a top priority for the Pablo Group. These efforts along with subscribing to this solar array ensure the operations of the hotel will be more sustainable,” said Julia Johnson, Pablo Group.

Chippewa Sun is a true partnership among Xcel Energy and the three subscribers along with several clean energy industry leaders including developer OneEnergy Renewables, builder Hunt Electric, owner and operator Standard Solar and resides on land purchased by SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative.

Based in Madison, renewable energy leader OneEnergy Renewables develops solar projects across the country and is a leader in the development and construction of solar projects in the Upper Midwest. Chippewa Sun is OneEnergy’s third project with Xcel Energy and thirty-ninth project in Wisconsin.

With over 500 MW of solar projects owned, operated and under construction across more than 20 states and the District of Columbia, Standard Solar plays a critical role in scaling community solar and distributed generation projects. The company’s expertise in development, funding, ownership and operations ensures long-term success for projects like Chippewa Sun, which support both local sustainability goals and broader carbon-free energy commitments.

Hunt Electric, with Wisconsin offices in Chippewa Falls and Hudson, is a national electrical design, build, and maintenance firm, with a broad reach that includes work experience in more than 40 states and several international projects.

SolarShare WI Cooperative, based in Madison and founded in 2021, democratizes clean energy investment in Wisconsin. It enables residents and businesses to invest in community-scale solar projects, like Chippewa Sun. The cooperative unites member investors and contractors statewide to build a sustainable future for all.

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. With its Wisconsin/Michigan headquarters in Eau Claire, Wis., the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X-formerly known as Twitter and Facebook.