Wisconsin solar companies invest billions of dollars into renewable energy, marking a significant move in the state’s green future. This substantial financial commitment is set to accelerate Wisconsin’s transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
We Energies and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) are at the forefront of the green energy revolution in the country. They co-own Wisconsin’s largest solar array, the Badger Hollow farm near Cobb, boasting 830,000 panels generating 300 Megawatts, enough for 90,000 homes.
“It’s the state’s largest solar facility,” said a spokesman for We Energies, Brendan Conway. “We’re moving away from an older, less efficient fossil fuel plants, particularly coal plants, and building new clean renewable energy resources and other kinds of low carbon resources,” he added.
The investment totals billions, with We Energies alone committing $6.8 billion over five years. Although costs are currently reflected in energy bills, customers are expected to save $2 billion over 20 years.
What Happens When There’s No Sun?
There are drawbacks to going solar too like lack of sunlight on some days. However, the company assures that even on cloudy days, panels produce 40%-60% of their maximum electricity output. Nighttime energy is managed through battery storage. Overall, solar could meet a third of Wisconsin’s energy needs using only 1.4% of agricultural land.
The investment by Wisconsin solar companies aligns with the global push for a greener future. With climate change concerns escalating, the shift to renewable energy sources has become imperative. By investing in solar energy, these companies are not only driving economic growth but are also playing a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
We Energies alone aims to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
While the path to a fully renewable energy-powered Wisconsin is still long, the commitment shown by these solar companies is indeed a step in the right direction. Their efforts underscore the potential of solar energy as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.
Image Source: Milwaukee Independent
