A nearly 1,300-megawatt (MW) solar project, Vista Sands Solar Farm, has been proposed in Portage County by Doral Renewables, LLC. If approved, Vista Sands would be the largest solar farm constructed in the state of Wisconsin, offering a substantial step forward in meeting our state’s clean energy goals.

Earlier this summer, RENEW Wisconsin submitted testimony in support of Vista Sands to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW). Now that the public comment period is open, we’re asking you to help ensure this project’s success by sharing your support for solar energy.

The Vista Sands Solar project is a significant investment in local communities, creating over 150 new long-term jobs, increasing tax revenue for local governments, and providing a steady revenue stream for farmers who lease their land for the project. Cropland can rest and regenerate throughout the lifespan of the solar project, maintaining soil quality and ensuring the land remains viable for the next generation of farmers. The project developer has also committed to addressing concerns related to local wildlife by utilizing a local seed mix around the installation and setting aside a portion of land for wildlife habitat.

Beyond the immediate local benefits, this project will offset 4.5% of Wisconsin’s electric utility emissions and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Based on a 2022 study, we know Wisconsin needs 31 Gigawatts (GW) of solar to achieve net zero by 2050. In the first quarter of 2024, Wisconsin had just over 2.3 GW of operating solar. Projects of Vista Sands’ scale are integral to reaching these goals in time.

Help ensure this project moves forward by demonstrating Wisconsin’s enthusiastic support for solar energy by submitting a comment today in support of Vista Sands Solar Farm.

When submitting your comments, be sure to specifically reference the project and the benefits that it can bring to Wisconsin. The deadline to submit comments is August 16, 2024. We’ve included a sample message to help you get started. Please keep in mind that the PSCW allows one comment per case* and that customizing your message will have a greater impact.

*Comments submitted on the Vista Sands Environmental Impact Statement do not count toward the one comment per case rule.

Sample Comments:

I’m writing in support of Vista Sands Solar. This project would provide significant support to the local economies, preserve farmland for future generations, and is critical to addressing climate change, all while ensuring more of the money Wisconsinites spend on energy stays here in state.

By producing homegrown, renewable energy right here in Wisconsin we protect our health, improve our economy, support grid stability, and protect our natural environment from the worst impacts of climate change. This project makes good sense for Wisconsin.

I respectfully encourage the PSCW to rule that Vista Sands Solar is in the public interest and issue a permit enabling the project to proceed to construction. Thank you for your time and consideration.