Those two gardens, to be built by Pristine Sun, a San Francisco-based developer, will double the current capacity of utility-sponsored community solar projects in Wisconsin.

Xcel has plans to have more than 250 megawatts of solar capacity in Minnesota by the end of 2016 in order to meet mandates of that state’s legislation. The Wisconsin arrays are part of a pilot program approved last year by Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission, which stipulated that it must be cost-neutral for non participants.

The company said it is a response to customer demand.

“Customers are looking for different options,” said Lee Gabler, senior director of customer strategy. “We want to provide those options.”

Together, the projects announced Wednesday will add nearly 22 megawatts of direct current capacity in a state where solar advocacy groups estimate current capacity is about 25 megawatts.

“It basically shows 2016 is going to be Wisconsin’s best year yet for solar,” said Tyler Huebner, executive director of Renew Wisconsin, who said the 60 percent drop in prices has made photovoltaic generation cost effective for utilities as well as residents, business and nonprofits.