Alliant Energy’s 1,000-Acre Solar Farm in Sheboygan County to Help Achieve Green Energy Transition
Alliant Energy’s transition to green energy is moving forward with the construction of a 1,000-acre solar farm in Sheboygan County’s town of Holland. The Onion River Solar Project is among 12 solar farms being built in Wisconsin since 2020, which, once operational, will generate enough energy to power almost 300,000 homes. The project began construction in July 2021 and is expected to be operational by the end of 2023.
The Onion River Solar Project is a 150-megawatt solar farm that will generate energy through bifacial solar panels to increase production in the winter. Once operational, the farm will produce, on average, 50 megawatts of energy around the clock, which can power about 40,000 homes. Alliant Energy aims to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 with its transition to renewable energy.
Bill Skalitzky, Alliant Energy’s manager of environmental services, stated that the farm will feature native grasses and pollinator habitats surrounding the arrays. This will improve soil and water quality, benefiting the environment and wildlife. Alliant Energy estimates that the project will generate approximately $600,000 in tax revenue for Sheboygan County and the town of Holland, as well as offering lease payments for landowners.
Alliant Energy’s commitment to renewable energy has received some opposition, with some Holland town residents forming a Facebook group opposed to the project in 2020. Concerns were raised about negative impacts on human health, land, water quality, and wildlife. However, a 2017 study from North Carolina University found that solar technologies pose no significant health risks.
Alliant Energy’s commitment to green energy is a positive step towards a more sustainable future. With a growing number of active wind and solar farms and plans for many more, the company is actively contributing to reducing carbon emissions and offering cleaner energy solutions to the community. The Onion River Solar Project in Sheboygan County is a significant step towards achieving Alliant Energy’s goal of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
