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Siting Review Process
Wisconsin’s Large-Scale Solar Approval Process
How Does Large-Scale Permitting Work?
In Wisconsin, the large-scale permitting process depends on the project’s megawatt size.
1 megawatt (MW) of solar uses 7 acres and powers about 150 homes.
1-99.9 Megawatts
Local communities handle permitting large-scale solar projects up to 100 MW.
- Can use the permitting process to address health, safety, environmental, and zoning concerns.
- Cannot impose a moratorium on these projects.
100+ Megawatts
The Public Service Commission permits projects 100 MW or larger. Local governments don’t approve these projects, but communities can give input.
- Considers environmental, safety, and planning concerns communities have identified, for example in comprehensive plans or ordinances.
- Collect public comments via mail, online, and in-person at public hearings.
Siting Review Process
Any electric generation facility that is 100 megawatts or larger needs to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) from the PSC.
Below are the main project review milestones for large-scale solar and wind energy projects, and ways for members of the public to get involved. You can sign up to receive project updates on the PSC website, follow the commission calendar, provide a comment for the record, and attend open meetings.
Learn more about each step below, or visit the Public Service Commission’s page on Public Participation.
Developer applies to the PSC
Solar developers must submit an engineering plan and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application. The Public Service Commission and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources jointly review solar energy generation and energy storage projects.
Copies of the application are mailed to all city, town, and village clerks in the project area, and to the public libraries in the affected counties.
Developers may hold open house sessions where the public can learn more about the project.
What is in the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application?
- Project overview
- Technical description of the project
- Project maps
- Construction sequence
- Potential impacts on natural and community resources
- Local government impacts
- Landowners affected and public outreach
- Waterway/wetland permitting activities
- DNR information on erosion control and stormwater management plans
- Utility-proposed projects may also require an Agricultural Impact Statement from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
PSC opens a Case Docket
The PSC opens a case for each project application. You can sign up to get email updates whenever a document is filed on the PSC’s website.
You can subscribe to a case file on the PSC’s website based on the case number.
PSC issues a Public Notification Letter
A letter notifying the public that the PSC review process has begun is mailed to property owners, government officials, libraries, media, and other interested agencies and individuals.
Optional Scoping Sessions
The PSC may host open houses to gather public input about the proposed project’s potential environmental impacts.
The public can also meet with PSC, DNR, and utility staff and ask questions at these scoping sessions.
Will there be an Environmental Impact Statement?
The PSC completes an Environmental Assessment (EA) on every project.
If the Environmental Assessment finds the project is likely to have significant environmental impacts, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is also required.
There is an opportunity for public comment during both the EA and EIS. See Public Comment Periods for more information.
Public Comment Periods
After the initial Environmental Assessment there is a public comment period of at least 15 days. Once the PSC makes an initial decision about whether an Environmental Impact Statement is needed, the public can submit comments the PSC’s initial decision and the project’s environmental impact. These comments will be considered, and reflected in the final Environmental Assessment.
If an Environmental Impact Statement is required, the public can also comment on the Draft EIS during an additional 45 day comment period. These comments will be entered into the record for consideration by the PSC.
Public comments can be submitted by mail, online, or in person.
See the PSC’s requirements of a public comment and suggestions for making effective comments.
Final Environmental Impact Statement (if needed)
If the Environmental Assessment determined that an Environmental Impact Statement was required for the project review, a Final EIS will be created that includes public comments from the draft EIS comment period, along with additional analysis.
The final EIS will be posted on the PSC website, and available at local clerks’ offices and public libraries.
Public Hearings
Participants can give online, oral, or written testimony at Public Hearings. This testimony becomes part of the record for the Commission’s decision.
You can submit Public Comments by mail, online, or in person.
See the PSC’s requirements of a public comment and suggestions for making effective comments.
PSC makes a Final Decision
The Commission makes a final decision to approve, modify, or deny the project. Commission meetings are open to the public for observation.
PSC issues an Order
The Commission’s decision is described in a written order to the applicant.
Project construction can begin
Once the applicant has their federal and state permits, they can begin project construction.
Learn More About the Permitting Process
For a deeper dive, this flow chart created by the Wisconsin Legislative Council shows the PSC and DNR permitting process for large electric generating facilities.
