Alliant Energy readies first community solar project for launch next year

Come spring next year, Alliant Energy intends to begin construction of a 1 MW community solar project in Wisconsin and finish it within the same year.

The project marks Alliant’s first foray into community solar and will be located near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, along the side of a highway. An extension of the company’s Clean Energy Vision and a goal to reach net-zero CO2 emissions from electricity generation by 2050, the program will be open to any electric customers looking to benefit from solar power without installing solar panels themselves.

“We are excited that our customers can sign up for our first community solar project and enjoy the benefits of receiving clean, renewable energy,” David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company, said. “We anticipate that all blocks will be sold quickly due to a high level of participation and interest from customers.”

Allen Buechel, Fond du Lac County Executive, hailed the project for the benefits it could bring to the local environment and economy. As to participants, though, the program will be reflected through a credit on their monthly electric bills, appropriate to every block of energy purchased. Credits will begin immediately upon the facility’s opening and last for approximately 20 years.

Enrollment for customers has already begun and will be granted on a purely first-come, first-served basis. Even before construction has begun, however, Alliant is looking ahead. It sees the new solar garden as the first of many such locations set to be scattered throughout Iowa and Wisconsin.