Community solar legislation, opposed by utilities, could expand access

Wisconsin State Sen. Duey Stroebel and State Rep. Timothy Ramthun have introduced legislation that would enable the development of more community solar projects in Wisconsin, according to a release from RENEW Wisconsin. If approved, the bill would expand customer choice, help utility customers save money on energy bills, and keep energy dollars in Wisconsin. Community solar projects allow businesses, farms, nonprofits, schools, and families to access affordable solar power without hosting a solar array or making large, up-front payments to install their solar systems. Twenty-one states, including Minnesota and Illinois, have already enacted policies that expand the community solar market; however, a Wisconsin State Journal report says Wisconsin utilities strongly oppose the bill, saying it would benefit solar developers and shift costs to nonparticipating customers. A few Wisconsin utilities have offered community solar programs, but RENEW Wisconsin says without a statewide policy, many utility customers lack access to a solar service.