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Introduction to Electricity and Large-Scale Solar
RESET: Engaging Wisconsin Communities in Renewable Energy
Introduction to Electricity and Large-Scale Solar
How do large-scale wind and solar fit into the grid?
Wisconsin’s electric grid is run by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which helps keep electricity reliable and affordable across multiple states. The state uses a mix of energy sources like natural gas, coal, nuclear, wind, and solar. Large-scale wind and solar projects (1 megawatt or bigger) are now among the cheapest ways to produce new electricity.
Electricity 101 FAQs
Wisconsin’s grid is operated by MISO, which balances electricity supply and demand across a multi-state region in real time. MISO coordinates utilities and transmission infrastructure to maintain reliability and manage long-term planning needs.
In 2024, natural gas produced about 40% of Wisconsin’s electricity, coal 32%, nuclear 15%, and renewable resources (solar, wind, hydro) 12%. In recent years the proportion of coal has fallen, while wind and solar generation have grown. Wisconsin currently consumes more energy than it produces and spends billions annually importing fossil fuels.
Electricity generated by any type of power plant enters the grid. It becomes part of MISO’s overall supply that serves homes and businesses across 15 states. Managing base loads and peak demand means that, depending on the grid’s supply and demand at a given moment, your electricity might come from the closest source or a plant hundreds of miles away.
In 2023 Wisconsin spent over $19 billion importing fossil fuels, including more than $1.2 billion on coal and natural gas for electricity generation. Large-scale wind and solar can help meet in-state electricity needs and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Large-scale solar alone won’t result in fewer outages because solar power depends on sunlight. However, if solar (or wind) projects are combined with battery energy storage systems (BESS), they can improve resilience by providing immediate additional backup power during grid disturbances.
A large-scale project does not change local electricity costs. The power generated is sold into the regional electrical grid. However, from a supply and demand perspective, having more electricity supplied to the grid from low-cost sources such as solar, wind, and natural gas will keep prices lower than if additional energy is not added to the supply or if high-cost sources are used.
Electricity 101 Resources
MISO 101 Primer – Great Plains Institute
This guide explains how the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) manages the electric grid and keeps power flowing reliably. It breaks down complex grid operations into simple, easy-to-understand concepts.
Wisconsin State Energy Profile – U.S. Energy Information Administration
This profile provides key facts about Wisconsin’s energy use and where its electricity comes from. It includes data on different energy sources like natural gas, coal, wind, and solar.
Wisconsin Solar State Spotlight – SEIA
This resource highlights the growth of solar energy in Wisconsin, including installed capacity, jobs, and future projects. It gives a quick snapshot of how solar is contributing to the state’s economy and energy mix.
Lazard Levelized Cost of Energy+ Report
This report compares the cost of different ways to generate electricity, like solar, wind, and fossil fuels. It helps show why large-scale solar is often one of the most affordable options today.
