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Discover the Largest Solar Farm in Wisconsin (And What Lives Around It)

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Because of its wide, flat plains and expansive open spaces, Wisconsin is a state synonymous with agribusiness. In fact, Wisconsin ranks in the top quartile of all states for agriculture and manufacturing. The state plays a large role in the dairy industry, supplying high quality milk, butter and cheese to neighboring states and even other countries. While dairy and crop farming have been major contributors to Wisonsin’s economy, new technological innovations have revolutionized the agricultural industry, creating additional jobs and opportunities for economic improvement. Sustainable energy efforts such as solar farms have gained popularity nationwide, and large farms are springing up in many states, including Wisconsin. Here’s a look at the largest solar farm in Wisconsin, Two Creeks Solar Park, and the community that surrounds it.

What is Two Creeks Solar Farm?

Two Creeks Solar Park is the largest solar park in Wisconsin.

©John Touscany/Shutterstock.com

Construction of the Two Creeks solar farm was completed in November 2020 outside of Madison, Wisconsin. With over 500,000 individual solar panels, the farm has an output of 150 megawatts – enough to power nearly 35,000 homes. Located between Two Creeks and Two Rivers, the Two Creeks Solar Farm began construction in 2019 and took just over a year to complete. The park consists of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, currently the most effective technology for converting light energy into electrical energy, making the reaction almost instantaneous.

The initiative provided the surrounding community with over 200 temporary and construction jobs during construction. In addition to providing jobs, the park is expected to generate nearly $8 million in just 20 years for the district, which can fund other infrastructure projects to lead to a cleaner future. In the long term, the solar park is expected to save over $100 million over its lifetime.

Who built the Two Creeks Solar Farm?

solar park
NextEra has 33 solar sites nationwide.

©Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock.com

Built by NextEra Energy Resources in conjunction with Madison Gas and Electric and the Wisconsin Public Service, the Two Creeks Solar Park is a small part of a much larger initiative. NextEra Energy is currently one of the world’s largest renewable energy providers, providing power from wind, nuclear, clean natural gas and the sun. They are North America’s largest wind power generator with 126 sites providing clean energy to neighboring communities. To date, the company has 28,000 megawatts of renewable energy in operation and another 18,000 megawatts under development. Overall, this is enough to supply almost 35 million households. The company currently operates 33 major solar sites across the United States, making it an industry leader. Outside of the renewable energy space, NextEra Energy has been ranked among Fortune’s top 20 companies for innovation.

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Farm yard
The Two Creek area, Wisconsin’s largest solar farm, is mostly farmland.

©Alena Mozhjer/Shutterstock.com

Two Creeks Solar Farm is located in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Due to the small population of just under 35,000, the district consists mainly of farmland and construction sites. Most of the county’s residents find jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, and the food industry. While many of the larger industries in the county have established farming and dairy operations, most farms in the area have remained family-owned and have maintained an intimate and traditional community.

The area was previously occupied by Native American tribes and French settlers before becoming known as Manitowoc County in 1836. Thereafter, more farms, mills, and manufacturing plants began to settle in the county, leading it to economic stability and growth as the centuries came to come. Today, the county is seeing even more progress and innovation through initiatives like Two Creeks Solar Park, which are creating jobs, revenue and new opportunities for the growing county.

Wildlife in Manitowoc County

Largest bird of prey - bald eagle
Bald eagles, owls and geese live in the Manitowoc County area.

© Chris Hill/Shutterstock.com

The flat, fertile plains and lush forests of Manitowoc County are great habitat for a variety of animals to call home. White-tailed deer, Asiatic black bears and gray wolves can be spotted through the trees bordering the county boundaries. Ducks and tundra swans swim in the area’s ponds and lakes, while owls, bald eagles and geese soar overhead. Outside of the wilderness, farms house animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep for various economic purposes in the community. In addition to animals, Wisconsin also produces around 60 percent of the country’s cranberries and offers an ideal climate for their growth. Other plants native to the state include spurge, fireweed, and maple trees.

Diploma

As the renewable energy industry gains momentum and grows rapidly, states like Wisconsin, which benefit greatly from agriculture, can experience it in a new way. These efforts have the ability to lead states towards a more prosperous and beneficial future for all in an ethically sustainable way.

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