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Frequently Asked Questions
The power from Sandhill Solar will be delivered to the local Wisconsin electric grid, helping to diversify the state’s energy portfolio and increase local energy supply. Power generated by the project will be used by electrically proximate sources of demand. This means that it will serve both local demand, and may be transmitted elsewhere in the system when power is needed.
Sandhill Solar anticipates submitting an application with the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin in late 2026. The permitting process takes approximately one-year to complete, so we anticipate receiving a decision
by the PSC late 2027. Pending final site plans, construction may begin in 2028-2029 with commercial operations to begin in late 2029.
The site selected for the Sandhill Solar Project is in close proximity to a transmission line, which will transport power to the nearest source of demand. Local landowners have voluntarily leased their ground to host project equipment for the 35-year operational lifespan of the project.
As demand for energy has increased rapidly over the years due to an increase in housing, manufacturing, and other energy intensive developments, projects like Sandhill Solar will help ensure a steady supply of power for the local electric grid. Adding solar and battery energy storage, will help meet the growing demand for power, while ensuring a steady supply of power available to deploy on the grid.
Wisconsin has a very thorough, objective process run by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to review applications for large solar photovoltaic projects. Simultaneously, the WDNR reviews the project to ensure that any necessary impacts to wildlife, water, and the environment are minimized, and that all required environmental permits are sought and issued. The permitting process is similar to a judicial hearing, where evidence is entered into a record, and three impartial commissioners at the PSCW review the application for compliance with all Wisconsin laws. The process typically takes about a year from start to finish.
The construction process consists of a variety of different stages – site preparations (ie. Civil work), pre-planting (generally native and pollinator-friendly plant species), and installing solar components (ie. Underground cabling, pilings, racking systems, inverters, substation, and fencing). These stages require a variety of different roles, such as site managers, project managers, engineers, heavy machine operators, general laborers, electricians, and more.
At the end of the Sandhill Solar project's life, it will be decommissioned, and the land will be returned to a condition suitable for farming. This is in stark contrast to other developments, such as commercial or industrial building projects, which often leave land unusable for agriculture again. During construction, native vegetation – often friendly to bees and other pollinators – will be planted. The deep roots of native vegetation retain more water than turf grass during heavy storms and periods of drought. They also retain topsoil and improve soil health over time.
As part of Sandhill Solar Project’s lease agreements with landowners and as required by Wisconsin state regulations, the project will be responsible for the removal of any equipment down to 3 feet below the surface level from leased land at the end of the project’s useful life. The removal of equipment and restoration of the host site is referred to as ‘decommissioning’.A Decommissioning Plan will be submitted during permitting and updated periodically. This plan will detail the responsibility of the project to remove equipment and return land to a similar state as was present before the project was constructed. As part of the Decommissioning Plan, the project will agree to post a bond or similar financial surety to ensure the funds necessary to decommission are consistently available throughout the life of the project; this bond provides a financial guarantee that the project will bear the cost to decommission the project if the company would go bankrupt during the project’s operations. The financial assurance will remain in place for the life of the project.If the project were sold, the financial security would be required to remain in place. This commitment is made directly by Sandhill Solar and would be retained regardless of who owns the project.
Sandhill Solar will submit a detailed decommissioning plan and financial assurance to cover all decommissioning costs. At the end of the project's operating life (35 years or more), panels will be removed from the site. Because solar panel production only degrades around 0.5% annually and up to 90% of the materials used in solar panels are recyclable, it's common for solar panels to lead a new life after decommissioning, and to ultimately be recycled.
MN8 is responsible for repairing damaged or replacing broken equipment. It is in the best interest of the project to ensure that it will be generating power at full capacity; therefore, new jobs will be created to oversee the Operations & Maintenance by crew members routinely checking the project site to ensure faulty equipment is repaired, removed, and/or replaced within a timely fashion.
The power from Sandhill Solar will be delivered to the local Wisconsin electric grid, helping to diversify the state’s energy portfolio and increase local energy supply. Power generated by energy generation projects is first used by electrically proximate sources of demand. This means that it will serve both local demand and may be transmitted elsewhere in the system when power is needed.Similar to how water flows, power on the grid moves along the path of least resistance. If there is an energy need close to a generation site ), the need will likely be fulfilled by that generation source. Once all the needs for energy near the generation site are fulfilled, energy will continue to flow down the line to meet other energy demands. It is possible for power to be transmitted further from the site of generation to meet demands; however, the longer the transmission distance, the less efficient the system. Utility-scale power generation supplied to the local grid generates local revenue and bolsters the resiliency of the local transmission system. If you’d like to know more about how the electric grid works, visit: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/power.htm
Pursuant to Wis Stat. 70.112(4)(a), power facilities with a production capacity higher than 50 megawatts (MW) are exempt from Wisconsin property tax. However, such facilities must pay an annual license fee to the State of Wisconsin. Pursuant to Wis Stat. 79.04, the State of Wisconsin then makes annual Shared Revenue Utility Payments to the Town and County where the power production facility is located. Based on the utility-shared revenue formula, projects will provide $5,000/MW/year which will be split amongst Barron County and Dallas Township. With anticipated project size of 100 MW, Barron County can expect to receive ~$333,333/year for the life of the project and Dallas Township can expect to receive ~$166,667/year for the life of the project. This two-thirds to the county and one-thirds to the town provide a total of $500,000/year to the great Sandhill Solar Project community. Two-thirds of that annual payment will be dispersed to Barron County, and one-third of that annual payment will be dispersed to Dallas Township.In addition to the utility-aid formula for solar, Wisconsin recently passed Act 163, providing $1,000/MW/year for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a similar two-thirds/one-third spilt as solar. With an anticipated BESS size of 50 MW, Barron County can expect to receive ~$33,333/year and Dallas Township can expect to receive ~$166,667/year. Between the solar and BESS utility-aid formulas, the greater Sandhill Solar Project community can expect to receive up to $550,000/year for the life of the project.
No, the Sandhill Solar project will not raise electricity rates. Solar provides long-term price protection to customers in Wisconsin. Because there is no fuel, solar power is sold to utilities at long-term, fixed prices that are often below the cost of other resources. Today, with solar equipment price declines of approximately 90% over the last 10 years, solar is the lowest cost option for new electrical utilities seeking to add new generation.
Revegetation will be conducted using a comprehensive and diverse seed mixture utilizing native species with seeds adapted to the region, or as specifically required by permitting or landowner preference. Species will be selected based on soil and ecological conditions at the site, as identified through desktop research and field assessments. Multiple seed mixtures will be considered for the purpose of cover-crop applications, array area seed mixtures, buffer area seed mixtures, erosion control seed mixtures, and species-management seed mixtures. Seeding may be tailored to other goals such as habitat restoration, pollinator implementation, and/or ground cover seed mixes suitable for managed grazing.Implementation of native seed species at the project provides a variety of environmental and soil health benefits. Native species enhance soil structure, boost microbial activity, and increase organic matter through consistent living roots and reduced tillage. Additionally, native species maintain ground cover that protects soil from wind and water erosion, which improves surface water quality and reduces runoff. Moreover, high-density, active growing cover outcompetes weeds and reduces herbicide dependency.A vegetation management and/or grazing plan will be created for the project. A qualified vegetation management contractor will implement this plan, which will be updated and finalized following confirmation of final project design details.
As part of our permit application, we are required to conduct a Wetland and Waterway Delineation, which helps us identify the location and extent of wetlands and waterways within the Project area. Sandhill Solar will not build upon nor disturb jurisdictional or protected wetlands or waterways and will buffer around any identified wetlands. Sandhill will utilize best management practices, such as incorporating an Erosion Control and Storm Water Management Plan into our site designs, which will be included in our permit application submission to the Public Service Commission (PSC).Furthermore, Sandhill Solar will cooperate with all relevant agencies regarding runoff during construction and while the project is operating. In addition, the project plans to incorporate deep-rooted native vegetation beneath the solar panels and throughout the project footprint. Establishing native vegetation throughout the array will allow the ground to rest and build nutrient-rich soil. The well-rested, nutrient-filled soil will help with erosion control and water runoff in, near, and around the solar site.
Impacts to local wildlife are expected to be minimal. Project environmental experts are continuously assessing the project footprint by conducting site-specific studies to understand and mitigate potential impacts to wildlife. The project will comply with all state and federal regulations associated with wildlife, including conducting consultation or concurrence with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).The project is assessing the potential use of wildlife-friendly fencing which would allow small animals, such as rabbits and reptiles, to go back and forth through the fencing. The project is not being sited on one contiguous square area of fenced ground. Rather, the project will be comprised of several fenced sections of ground connected underground to one another (resembling a patchwork quilt of sections throughout the total area). Larger animals, such as deer, will be able to traverse around the fenceline of the project area through riparian and other corridors.
The project will be designed in a patch-work quilt format, meaning it won’t be one large contiguous fenced project, but rather sections of fenced arrays, which will allow for natural wildlife corridors around the project. Designing the project with wildlife corridors in mind allows for local wildlife to continue to traverse around the project to other fields or forested areas that are not included within the array.Local deer hunting will still be able to take place, just not on land that is hosting the solar array. Local hunters should be aware of their surroundings when operating a firearm during the hunting season. Hunting will not be permitted within the Sandhill Solar fenced area.
The risk of fire in a large-scale solar project is incredibly low. The project contains sensors that are capable of detecting a fire in any section of the array. These sensors will immediately notify Operation and Maintenance team members, who then can power off the array. The solar energy facility and its equipment will be operated and monitored to ensure proper safety of the equipment. The Sandhill Solar Project will have a safety and security plan that details fire protection and related education for local fire responders. The project will work with local fire and EMS departments to ensure their thorough understanding of the project’s low fire risk and proper response actions. The Sandhill Solar project team is in the process of reaching out to local fire departments and emergency services to coordinate these plans.
In the low chance of a fire, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) fire is self-contained and burns out on its own. In a review of 35 documented large-scale BESS fire incidents conducted by the Fire & Risk Alliance, levels of contaminants posed to surrounding air, groundwater, and soil were not high enough to be considered a concern to public health and safety. All fires, whether in a forest or a burning building, release harmful gases into the air such as carbon oxide, carbon dioxide, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), however, the Fire & Risk Alliance found that “data from real-world incidents, experimental studies, and environmental monitoring efforts indicate that BESS fires have a minimal long-term environmental impact compared to other large industrial and structural fires”. For more information, please visit the "Assessment of Potential Impacts of Fires at BESS Facilities" linked below.
In the state of Wisconsin, large-scale power generation facilities with capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) or larger are governed through the state permitting process administered by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC). These solar projects submit a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application to the PSC. Voluntarily, an applicant may also work with the town and county boards to negotiate a Joint Development Agreement (JDA), allowing local governments to provide feedback regarding the project in their community. Furthermore, community members can choose to intervene within the case through the PSC. Intervention allows a sole party, organization, or group of people to have a seat at the table during the permitting process. An intervenor may be required to provide reputable information through data requests, discovery, and/or cross examination during the party hearings. Intervenors will be able to provide suggestions to the PSC, WDNR, and the applicant that relates to the siting of the proposed project. Once an application has been submitted to the PSC, there will be a formal opportunity for people to request to be an intervenor in the case record.
The Sandhill Solar project team is currently identifying the best layout of solar panels within the leased area that will produce the most amount of energy while adhering to industry standards, PSC requirements, and visual impact concerns. An updated panel location map will be available when the Sandhill team submits the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application with the PSC. This map will include proposed panel locations, which are subject to change as the team continues to work with the PSC through the permit process.
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) crew members will oversee the daily functioning of project equipment. Operations managers monitor the performance of project equipment, safety, and coordinate with solar technicians to ensure any faulty or damaged equipment is repaired or replaced. Solar technicians run routine checks to test project equipment and come on-site to conduct repairs or replacements of equipment. Other O&M workers oversee proper cleaning of panels and maintenance of vegetation underneath and around panels.
Panels are capable of withstanding harsh weather like torrential rain, heavy snowfall, high winds, and hail. Engineering studies, as well as actual catastrophic events such as hurricanes, have shown that solar farms are able to hold up and continue producing energy. In cases where panels are damaged, solar panels are made of solid materials, which are not soluble in water and therefore will not impact the soil or groundwater. Damaged panels will be replaced and recycled when possible due to panel condition.
No. Sandhill Solar will utilize photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which are widely used in solar energy projects today. These panels are manufactured to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards. Solar panels do not pose a risk to public health or safety, and at the end of their lifespan, many components can be recycled as part of responsible decommissioning practices.
The risk of fire in a large-scale solar project is incredibly low. The project contains sensors that are capable of detecting a fire that could be occurring in a specific section of the array. These sensors will immediately notify Operation and Maintenance team members, who then can power off the array. The solar energy facility and its equipment will be operated and monitored to ensure proper safety of the equipment. The Sandhill Solar Project will have a safety and security plan that details fire protection and related education for local fire responders. The project will work with local fire and EMS departments to ensure their thorough understanding of the project’s low fire risk and proper response actions.
Solar panels are designed to ensure minimal reflection as any reflected light is lost energy; therefore, the panels are designed with anti-reflective coating to absorb the maximum amount of light. Residents are unlikely to experience any glare from solar panels, but if they do it would be weaker glare than from a building's window.
As part of its permitting process, Sandhill Solar will evaluate glint and glare with respect to everyday citizens and visitors. Further, the project will utilize single axis trackers, which allow the panels to track the sun as it moves across the sky and keep the panels perpendicular to the sun, minimizing the potential for glare.
No. Large-scale solar projects must follow strict electrical safety codes governing the design, construction, and operation of any project in Wisconsin. With modern-day underground collection and transmission lines used in the construction of solar farms, stray voltage will not impact neighboring farms. On-site project staff will oversee the day-to-day operations of the solar farm to assure the site continues to follow all applicable codes and regulations. Additionally, Sandhill Solar will comply with any stray voltage testing ordered.
Solar development and traditional agriculture can co-exist side-by-side, and increasingly are found together. Responsible solar development provides benefits to both agriculture and ecosystems by improving soil health, retaining water, nurturing native species, and supporting native pollinators which support local food production. In addition, solar farms help farmers and landowners diversify their income by providing a reliable, drought-resistant revenue stream. This steady income means that farmers are less vulnerable to fluctuations in market prices on their products, uncertain trade regimes, and volatile annual weather, thus helping farmers stay in business. Additionally, at the end of its useful life the project will be decommissioned, and the land will be available for all future potential uses, including traditional agriculture.
Yes. The Sandhill Solar Project will be located on private land under long term lease arrangements and at the end of the life of the project, the project will be decommissioned, and the land will be available again for farming. This is in stark contrast to other developments, such as commercial or industrial building projects, which often leave land unusable for agriculture again. During construction, native vegetation – often friendly to bees and other pollinators – will be planted. The deep roots of native vegetation retain more water than turf grass during heavy storms and periods of drought. They also retain topsoil and improve soil health over time.
As demand for power continues to increase, we need an ‘all of the above’ approach to supplying power to the grid. Placing solar panels on rooftops or above parking lots is one of several great ways to meet the growing demand of power. However, rooftops and parking lot arrays generally supply power to the homeowner or business that hosts the array and does not allow for a more stabilized efficient grid. Hosting solar arrays on farm ground, allows for generated electricity from the panels to be near a transmission line – the vehicle for delivering power to you as the consumer. Utility-scale solar helps meet a larger need for efficient, cheap, consistent, and readily available power that is supplied to a larger pool of people, rather than to one home or business. Having solar on rooftops, parking lots, and voluntarily leased farm ground will help meet the growing demands for power and ensure a diversified energy grid.Solar development and traditional agriculture can coexist and are increasingly found together. Responsible solar development provides benefits to both agriculture and ecosystems by improving soil health, retaining water, nurturing native species, and supporting native pollinators which enhance local food production. In addition, solar farms help farmers and landowners diversify their income by providing a reliable, drought-resistant revenue stream. This steady income means that farmers are less vulnerable to fluctuations in market prices on their products, uncertain trade regimes, and volatile annual weather, thus helping farmers stay in business.
No power generation facility (nuclear, coal, hydropower, wind, or solar) has a 100% efficiency rating. Fossil fuel power plants have an average efficiency rating of 33-45% while renewable energy plants are averaging 20-45%. For solar specifically, panel technology is consistently becoming more efficient, averaging an efficiency rating of 20-25%. While solar may not always produce at its maximum possible output, the free fuel of sunlight makes it one of the cheapest forms of energy and is why solar functions as a great base load energy source for the power grid. When paired with batteries, solar energy is able to be utilized well after sundown or in periods when the sun is not shining. While solar energy is important to provide base load power, it is important to supplement it with additional power sources such as wind energy and gas to ensure reliability. Having a diverse power grid allows us to maximize our usage of cost-effective renewable power while using more expensive, dispatchable power like gas to supplement in times of need.
No. Solar panels are designed and manufactured to meet rigorous safety and environmental standards. They are made primarily of glass, encapsulant materials, semiconductor layers, and metal framing. The materials that generate electricity are sealed within the panel between protective layers, helping prevent contact with surrounding soil and water during normal operation. Solar panels are widely used throughout the United States and have been safely deployed in a wide range of environments for decades. If a panel becomes damaged, it would be removed and replaced in accordance with applicable requirements and industry best practices. At the end of their useful life, many solar panel components can be recycled through established recycling processes.
Solar panels themselves do not create sound when converting sunlight into electricity. Sources of sound from a solar project are associated with converting the panels’ electrical output via inverters and transformers. These inverters and transformers often have fans and cooling systems to ensure proper operation when operating at peak generation capacity. Sound emitted from inverters and transformers will be calculated, and these essential components will be placed in the optimal position to best reduce the sound audible from the edge of the solar project.Check out this article for more information: https://cleanpower.org/wp-content/uploads/gateway/2021/12/SolarNeighbor_240710.pdf
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