Renewable Energy

Solar panels in a field of flowers.

Renewable Energy Resources

Over fall 2023 – spring 2024, Extension took part in a research project, “Community-Centered Solar Development”, to design, execute, and document a process for inclusive, participatory, community-engaged planning for successfully siting community-centered large-scale solar development (CCSD) in Portage County. The following document is a final report to Portage County which includes the findings from our research and engagement process and outlines leverage points for community members and local government in the siting and development of large-scale solar projects.

View the Community Centered Solar Development Engagement Project – Portage County, WI Report.pdf (1.8MB)

Community Centered Solar Development Resources

As part of our engagement process, in spring of 2024, Extension hosted two community conversations in Portage County around the topic of “Community Centered Solar Development”. Community members had the opportunity to learn more about large scale solar development, the regulations in Wisconsin, and how they as community members can both navigate the shift to renewable energy and be involved. Listed below are different resources that can be helpful to either local units of government, landowners considering lease agreements, and other community members who would like to learn more about solar energy in Wisconsin.

RESET (Renewable Energy Siting and Engagement for Tomorrow) Reports, UW-Madison Division of Extension

  • Green, Taylor, & Vernon Counties
  • Wisconsin report 

Solar Ordinance Guidance, UW-Madison Division of Extension

  • Solar Regulation Guidance for Wisconsin Communities 
  • Model Solar Zoning Ordinance 
  • Webinar on the model solar zoning ordinance

Learn About Solar Land Leasing Contracts, UW-Madison Division of Extension

  • Are you thinking about leasing your farmland for solar development?  
  • Conversations with solar developers: a companion guide
  • Webinar on solar land leasing

Solar Grazing Checklist, UW-Madison Division of Extension

UW-Stevens Point Center for Land Use Education: Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Resources, UW-Stevens Point CLUE

UW-Madison Division of Extension initiated this research and community engagement process with input from a local advisory committee. This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231, in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Michigan State University and University of Michigan. The research was performed as part of the Community-Centered Solar Development project.