MAPLE GROVE SOLAR PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Summary
Comprised of 2 co-located solar photovoltaic (PV) & energy storage projects located on approx. 1,200 acres:
- Maple Grove Solar I, with PV capacity of 148 megawatts (MWac)
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Maple Grove Solar II, with PV capacity of 80 megawatts (MWac) & battery energy storage capacity of 50 megawatts (MW)
Location
The towns of Maple Grove and Barron in Barron County, Wisconsin The project will interconnect into the local transmission grid.
Power generation
Project will produce enough energy to power approximately 58,000 homes.
Environmental Benefits
Approximately 443,000 metric tons of CO2 offset per year.
Economic Benefits
300 temporary jobs created, leading to increased revenue for local businesses with a total of $45.5M in local community investment over project’s lifetime.
Project Life
The lifespan of Maple Grove Solar is projected to be 35 years.
MAPLE GROVE SOLAR PROJECT TIMELINE
Q2 2027 Anticipated Start of Construction
MAPLE GROVE SOLAR PROJECT MAP & SITE RENDERINGS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do solar panels impact human health?
Solar panels do not negatively impact human health. During manufacturing, solar panels go through rigorous quality control measures to guarantee proper and safe function. In addition, solar panels do not produce any toxic emissions during operations.
How does the weather impact solar energy production?
Weather events, such as cloud cover and snow, are important factors to consider when designing a new solar energy power plant. As part of the design process, panel and racking technology account for local weather and how it may impact solar energy production. In Wisconsin, shorter daylight hours and snow events results in decreased solar energy production compared to the summer, but the cold temperatures work to improve overall solar panel efficiency. In addition, solar tracking technology helps shed snow from the solar panels as they move. Weather is carefully factored into our estimates for annual energy production.
How will wildlife in the area be impacted?
Maple Grove Solar conducted wildlife studies for the area and designed the project to be sensitive to the local wildlife.
How long will the project be in operation for?
Maple Grove Solar will be operational for 35 years.
Can solar panels be recycled?
Yes, solar panels can be recycled. When the project is at the end of its life, all components will be properly handled through a decommissioning plan. Maple Grove solar includes recycling of materials, such as concrete and steel, in its decommissioning plan.
Is the project permitted?
On March 7, 2025, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) approving the project, through Docket 5-CE-154.
Will the solar panels cause glare?
Solar panels are designed with dark coatings to avoid reflective properties and reduce glare, which increases the absorption of energy from the sun. Maple Grove Solar conducted a Glare Hazard Analysis Report, concluding that there will be no impact on local neighborhoods and nearby airports from glare.
Will the project impact nearby property values?
As part of the state CPCN permitting process, an external consultant conducted an assessment of potential impacts to local property values. This study concluded that no negative impacts on nearby properties are expected.