FOND DU LAC, Wis.– October 7, 2021 – Today, Alliant Energy celebrated its first community solar project with a public open house and solar garden tours in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The 1-megawatt solar garden, at maximum output, could power 1,000 homes and is expected to be operational by the end of 2021.
“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to thank our solar block subscribers, the Fond du Lac community and our major business partners,” said David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company during the recognition ceremony. “Celebrating our first Alliant Energy community solar garden here reflects the community’s innovative spirit and passion for green energy. Without you, this project would not be possible. We are also excited to share we have sold and donated nearly 95% of the solar blocks available. We hope all will enjoy the benefits of receiving clean, renewable energy.”
Alliant Energy’s community solar program provides an opportunity for customers to share the benefits of solar power without the need to install solar panels on their property. They receive a credit on their monthly electric bills for every block of energy purchased. The credits begin once the facility is in service and will last for 20 years. Participants will realize cost savings over the life of the solar facility.
When initially announced in December 2020, 4,000 solar blocks were available for subscription to Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin electric customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Less than 250 solar blocks remain available. Find details to purchase remaining solar blocks here.
The Fond du Lac community solar project is an important milestone in Alliant Energy’s Clean Energy Blueprint, the company’s roadmap to accelerate their transition to renewable energy. It puts them on the path to achieve their Clean Energy Vision, which includes a goal to attain net-zero carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation by 2050.
Located west of the Highway 151/Hickory Road intersection, the project is built on land leased from Michels Corporation, an industry-leading utility contractor headquartered in nearby Brownsville.
“Michels is proud to be the anchor tenant of Alliant Energy’s first community solar garden,” said Pat Michels, president of Michels Corporation. “When the opportunity to participate presented itself, we saw it as a win-win. We could do the right thing for the environment and provide ourselves the ability to have multiple locations benefit from clean energy. We look forward to using green energy at our facilities served by Alliant Energy.”
The Fond du Lac solar garden is the first of multiple community solar locations across Iowa and Wisconsin for Alliant Energy.