Major solar farm approved for Portage County

By Blake Jackson

The Vista Sands Solar Project, proposed for Portage County, Wisconsin, received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) on Thursday. Once completed, it will be the largest solar farm in the state and one of the most powerful in the country, generating nearly 1.3 gigawatts of electricity. This capacity will be enough to power over 200,000 homes in Wisconsin.

The project, developed by Doral Renewables, will cover a large area in Portage County, primarily in the towns of Grant and Plover, with a small section in the village of Plover. The county and surrounding communities will benefit from $6.5 million annually in payments.

“We are thrilled with the approval of the Vista Sands Solar Project by the PSCW,” said Jon Baker, vice president of development at Doral Renewables and project manager for the Vista Sands Solar Project, in the release. “This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for clean energy in Wisconsin.”

Vista Sands Solar is leasing land from farmers, offering them the opportunity to diversify their income. Doral Renewables will retain ownership of the project, and at the end of its lifespan, the solar panels will be removed, and the land will return to the farmers.

Concerns were raised by conservationists and wildlife groups about the project’s proximity to the Buena Vista Grassland State Wildlife Area, home to a large population of threatened prairie chickens. While the project will not place solar panels within 500 feet of the prairie chicken habitats, environmental studies acknowledged potential negative impacts. The project also plans to restore between 5,700 and 7,900 acres of agricultural land to grasslands, creating an environment suitable for both wildlife and solar energy.

The project is expected to boost aquifer levels and reduce the use of harmful chemicals in the area, offering environmental benefits alongside its energy goals. Vista Sands Solar represents a nearly $2 billion investment, creating approximately 500 construction jobs and 50 permanent jobs once operational.

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