Large Scale Wind and Solar Impacts
RESET: Engaging Wisconsin Communities in Renewable Energy
Large Scale Wind and Solar Impacts
Large-Scale Wind & Solar Impacts
Understand the impacts of large-scale renewable energy projects
Electricity & Renewables
Large-scale solar and wind are now two of the least expensive ways to add new power to the grid. Learn how our regional grid works, where our electricity comes from, and why renewable energy projects are growing rapidly across the United States today.
Economic Impacts
Large-scale solar projects can influence land values, farm income, and local government budgets in a variety of ways across Wisconsin communities. Impacts differ depending on whether landowners directly participate in projects, farm nearby land, or are part of the broader community.
Environmental Impacts
How can large-scale solar projects impact soil, water, wildlife, and air quality? The answer depends on the site and how the land is managed. With careful planning and best management practices, many effects can be reduced, and biodiversity can even improve.
Land Use Impacts
In Wisconsin most utility-scale solar projects are located on agricultural land.
Communities often raise concerns about removing land from agriculture, and the visual impacts of these projects.
Health and Safety
What are common safety considerations around solar panels, wind turbines, and battery energy storage systems? Learn how these risks are managed through design, installation, and safety standards.
Decommissioning
What happens to large-scale wind and solar projects at the end of their operational life? In practice, who pays for land restoration, and what happens to the panels and turbines?
