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RESET: Engaging Wisconsin Communities in Renewable Energy

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Large Scale Wind & Solar Impacts

Local Government Actions

Solar Land Leasing

July 8th, 2026

12:00 PM

Model Solar Zoning Ordinance Webinar

Large-scale solar development is accelerating across Wisconsin, bringing new challenges and opportunities for local governments. As communities work to balance growth, land use, and public interest, they are also navigating a complex legal landscape that places important limits on local authority.

What can your community regulate, and where are the boundaries?

Learn more

Join UW-Madison Extension for a timely and practical webinar designed to support informed local decision-making around solar development. This session will introduce two new key resources developed specifically for Wisconsin communities:

Solar Regulation Guidance for Wisconsin Counties, Cities, Villages and Towns clarifies what state law allows (and does not allow) local governments to regulate
Model Solar Zoning Ordinance provides adaptable language to help communities shape effective, locally relevant policies

Developed by Local Government Law Educator Bill Oemichen in collaboration with partners including the Wisconsin Towns Association, RENEW Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farmers Union, and The Nature Conservancy, these tools reflect broad expertise and practical insight from across the state.

Who should attend?

Elected officials, planners, zoning administrators, and local government staff

What you will gain:

A clearer understanding of Wisconsin’s legal framework for solar regulation
Practical guidance on local authority and decision-making
Ready-to-use ordinance language tailored for Wisconsin communities
Insight into how other communities are approaching solar development

July 10th, 2026

12:00 PM

Solar Land Leasing Webinar

As renewable energy continues to expand across Wisconsin, more farmers and rural landowners are being approached with opportunities to lease land for solar development. These offers can offer landowners a reliable, long-term income stream.

But what does signing a solar lease really mean for your land, your operation, and your future?

Learn more

Join UW–Madison Extension for an informative webinar designed to help landowners make confident, informed decisions when considering solar leasing opportunities. This session will walk through key elements of solar lease agreements, including common contract terms, payment structures, land use considerations, and project responsibilities.

Participants will also learn how to document and evaluate conversations with developers using a practical worksheet tool that empowers you to ask the right questions, compare offers, and protect your interests.

Whether you’ve already been approached by a solar company or are simply exploring your options, this webinar will help you understand what a future under a solar lease could look like—and how to negotiate it wisely.

Presenters: Bill Oemichen, JD, Professor of Practice in Law & Kelly Wilfert, J.D., Extension Farm Law Outreach Specialist

Who should attend:

Farmers, rural landowners, and anyone interested in leasing land for solar development.

What you’ll gain:

Insight into typical solar lease terms and conditions
Guidance on evaluating offers and negotiating agreements
Tools to track conversations and compare proposals
A clearer picture of the long-term impacts of solar leasing

September 15th, October 7th, and November 3rd, 2026

Renewable Energy Academies

Are you a local leader who wants to learn about large-scale wind and solar siting?

Attend an in-person regional Renewable Energy Academy hosted by UW-Madison Extension and collaborators! Visit RESET’s Renewable Energy Academy page below for more information.

Renewable Energy Academy