![Judge Ruling Could Mean More Solar Power In Minnesota](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2011/04/solarpanels.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Judge Ruling Could Mean More Solar Power In Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge's recent ruling means Minnesota could see a major expansion in the use of solar power over natural gas.
The judge was reviewing whether Xcel Energy should invest in natural-gas generators or solar-power arrays. Administrative Law Judge Eric Lipman concluded that solar was the better deal.
If the state Public Utilities Commission upholds his finding, Edina-based Geronimo Energy plans to spend $250 million to build about 20 solar-power arrays across Xcel service sites. Xcel would then likely buy the power from Geronimo under a long-term agreement.
Xcel's proposals included generating power using natural gas. It says it disagrees with some of Lipman's findings and will file a response.
Lipman says solar energy provides the greatest value to Minnesota and to Xcel customers.
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