Emerald Bluffs Solar Project Approved by PSC

Emerald Bluffs Solar Project Approved by PSC

by | Jan 23, 2026 | Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved the Emerald Bluffs Solar Project, a 225 Megawatt (MW) solar project in Juneau County. This project is planned for completion in the latter half of 2027. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Thanks to the support from the public, we were able to get this project across the finish line!

Emerald Bluffs is another exciting step in the right direction as we work to expand renewable energy across the state. Wisconsin has now reached a point where we have 2089 MW of solar in operation, nearly 4,000 MW approved and in the development phase, and more than 1,000 MW of solar seeking approval from the PSC. Altogether, we’re hopeful that we’ll have nearly 7,500 MW of solar online across Wisconsin in the near future. Together, we can keep this momentum going.

Emerald Bluffs Solar Project’s Benefits Go Beyond Renewable Energy:

Economic Growth: Emerald Bluffs will create nearly 1,000 jobs during construction, as well as more than 20 good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions.

Community Benefits: Once in service, Emerald Bluffs will contribute more than $1,125,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $637,000 of this will go to Juneau County, while the remaining $487,500 will go to the towns of Lemonweir and Seven Mile Creek. During its 35-year life, the project will contribute a total of $39.375 million in utility-aid payments.

Emissions Reductions: Emerald Bluffs will reduce energy production emissions by 746 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 73,500 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits.

Addressing Local Restrictions on DER

Addressing Local Restrictions on DER

by | Dec 11, 2025 | RENEW Wisconsin, Solar

Over the past year, RENEW has expanded its capacity to identify and respond to local barriers to distributed renewable energy (rooftop solar as an example), with a particular focus on identifying and addressing county and town drafting of restrictive local ordinances. RENEW has developed a framework for tracking county and town activity and coordinating with installers and developers on submitting comments to local board meetings. RENEW continues to communicate with county and town boards, when necessary, to advise on policy and legal implications of overly restrictive local regulations on distributed energy resources.

As part of implementing this strategy, RENEW communicated directly with Jefferson County regarding their 2025 Solar Energy Systems Ordinance Draft, providing a detailed legal analysis of how key provisions conflicted with state law and Court of Appeals precedent. RENEW’s analysis resulted in the redrafting of the proposed ordinance. When the ordinance was presented to the County Board of Supervisors, RENEW called for comments from RENEW members and impacted installers and developers. The strategy resulted in the Jefferson County Board returning the proposed ordinance to the zoning committee for further review, to reduce restrictions on solar energy systems.

The experience has helped RENEW identify potential litigation and policy strategies to empower our advocacy for balanced local rules that do not unduly restrict renewable energy production. RENEW is communicating and coordinating with other stakeholders to lay the groundwork for future model ordinance work and to support potential litigation that can clarify local authority on regulating renewable energy siting and production.

In parallel, RENEW has supported homeowners facing Home Owner Association (HOA) barriers to rooftop solar. RENEW worked with two homeowners and prepared a legal advisory letter to the Theofila Estates HOA explaining the limited authority of HOAs under state law, demonstrating how the HOA’s rejection of south-facing solar installations based on aesthetic rules would significantly increase costs, reduce system efficiency, and disqualify projects from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy rebate, and therefore constitute an unlawful restriction on solar.

Together, this local and HOA focused work is helping RENEW build a practical toolkit that RENEW can deploy statewide to defend solar rights and promote uniform, lawful treatment of distributed renewable energy.

Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Akron Solar

Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Akron Solar

by | Dec 9, 2025 | Action Alert, Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

Public comments are open now through December 12 for Akron Solar, a 200 Megawatt (MW) solar project. If approved, the solar project will be located in Adams and Wood Counties and is planned for completion in the latter half of 2029. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!

You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message.

Akron Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 200 MW facility in Adams and Wood Counties has many benefits:

  • Economic Growth: According to a report by Strategic Economic Research, Akron Solar will create more than 450 jobs during construction, as well as more than 14 good-paying, long-term positions in Adams and Wood Counties. 
  • Community Benefits: Once in service, Akron Solar will contribute more than $1,000,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $566,000 of this will go to the counties, while the remaining $433,33 will go to the towns of Rome and Saratoga. During its 25-year life, the project will contribute a total of at least $25million in utility-aid payments. 
  • Emissions Reductions: Akron Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 650 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 64,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits. Wisconsin can expect more than $1.4 million in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Akron Solar’s first year of operations alone.

Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Akron Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.

TAKE ACTION
Porchlight Solar Approved by PSC

Porchlight Solar Approved by PSC

by | Dec 4, 2025 | Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved Porchlight Solar, a 163.8 Megawatt (MW) solar project paired with a 50 MW battery in Portage County. In their verbal decision, PSC commissioners noted that the team behind the project made a good effort to work with community members on this project. The commission also noted the many positive comments that came through in support of this project, including RENEW’s. If you submitted a comment in support of this project, thank you for helping us get this project across the finish line!

Porchlight Solar is another exciting step forward as we work to meet our clean energy goals. Wisconsin has now reached a point where we have 2089 MW of solar in operation, 3738 MW approved and in the development phase, and more than 1,600 MW of solar seeking approval from the PSC. Altogether, we’re hopeful that we’ll have nearly 7,500 MW of solar online across Wisconsin in the near future. Together, we can keep this momentum going.

Porchlight Solar’s Benefits Go Beyond Clean Energy:

Economic Growth: Porchlight Solar will create between 200 to 300 jobs during construction, as well as good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions.

Community Benefits: Once in service, Porchlight Solar will contribute more than $800,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $460,000 of this will go to Portage County, $273,000 will go to the town of Buena Vista, and just over $80,000 will go to the town of Pine Grove. During its 30-year life, the project will contribute a total of $24.4 million in utility-aid payments. In other municipalities, funds like these have gone toward roads, municipal buildings, and first responder resources.

Landowner Engagement: Porchlight Solar has signed land leases with farmers who produce potatoes, corn, and soybeans, according to the application from the developer. When farmers and landowners sign 25-plus-year leases to host solar projects like Porchlight, they are able to rely on long-term, stable revenue.

Emissions Reductions: Porchlight Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 530 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 53,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits.

Holy Spirit Parish and School Celebrates New Solar Array

Holy Spirit Parish and School Celebrates New Solar Array

by | Nov 20, 2025 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point welcomed parishioners, families, students, and community members for a ribbon-cutting celebration marking the completion of two new solar arrays. The event highlighted the parish’s commitment to caring for creation and investing in the future of its congregation and school.

The project was supported through the Solar for Good program, funded by the Couillard Solar Foundation and managed by RENEW Wisconsin. Olson Solar Energy served as the installer and guided the parish through the technical, insurance, and design steps needed to bring the project forward.

Guided by Faith and Stewardship

The idea for the solar project began within Holy Spirit Parish’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. Their members shared that a central belief guided them through each stage of planning and conversations with parish leadership.

“Faith calls us to be stewards of the land, and that means the planet is part of what we are called to care for.”

This perspective shaped the committee’s vision and helped carry the parish through a process that required patience and collaboration. Insurance reviews and utility requirements brought several design changes, and the team worked closely with Olson Solar Energy to adapt and keep the project moving.

Collaboration and Commitment

“This really was the work of so many people. It took time, effort, and a lot of expertise from members of our congregation. Everyone played a part, from researching and planning to helping with outreach and fundraising. It is something we can all be proud of because it truly belongs to this community,” said Susan Zach, a member of Holy Spirit Parish’s Environmental Committee.

The project was originally planned as a single array on the church roof. As design and interconnection requirements evolved, the plan expanded to include a second array on the school. Olson Solar Energy worked with the parish through each iteration, helping resolve insurance questions, coordinating two separate meters, and staying flexible as the project shifted. Their responsiveness was referenced several times during the event.

A Project That Gives Back and a Community Celebration

Both systems are under 20 kilowatts, allowing the parish and school to qualify for net metering and receive credits on their energy bills. Olson Solar Energy estimates that the project will save the parish and school about $100,000 in avoided energy costs over the life of the system. These savings will support classrooms, programs, and facility improvements that strengthen Holy Spirit Parish and School.

During the celebration, parish leaders and school staff reflected on the project’s journey and the teamwork that carried it forward. It was clear from the gratitude shared throughout the room that this project was rooted in community. A strong sense of place, care for creation, and pride in working together shaped every step of the process.

“We are proud to be the first Catholic parish in the La Crosse Diocese to install solar on our property. This project reflects both our faith and our responsibility to care for the gifts we have been given. It is our hope that others in the diocese will see what is possible and join us in taking steps toward sustainability,” said Fr. Steve Brice, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish.

Buyer Beware: Solar Tax Credits

Buyer Beware: Solar Tax Credits

by | Nov 11, 2025 | RENEW Wisconsin, Solar

Earlier this year, Congress and President Trump pushed the One Big Beautiful Bill through the federal government. The massive budget reconciliation package did many things—one in particular directly impacts the residential solar industry.

After December 31, 2025, homeowners will no longer be eligible for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D). This applies to residential solar and a few other clean energy technologies. The tax credit will only be available for projects that are fully installed, operational, and legally interconnected by the December 31 deadline. This is the most conservative interpretation of the requirements. We recommend consulting a tax attorney to get the most up-to-date information.

Many solar installers are booked through the end of the year and even well into 2026. At this point, if you are not already working with an installer, we recommend that you exercise caution about any business that tells you they can complete the project in time for you to get the tax credit.

If you are still in the market for solar, please consider looking through our list of business members to find a reputable company. Some of our members are even offering discounts on installations for 2026 to make up for the loss of the tax credit. When pursuing solar power, we recommend you get multiple quotes and use a local installer. You can review our map of installers here.