Earlier this week, Rep. Scott Krug and I participated in a press conference where we introduced legislation allowing for the construction and operation of community solar facilities in Wisconsin.

Community solar is a model in which multiple customers share the benefits of a single, large solar project located off-site. Community solar infrastructure can be installed almost anywhere and is often placed on small parcels of under-utilized farmland.

Participants subscribe to a portion of the electricity generated by the central solar array and receive credits on their monthly utility bills for their share of the power produced, which decreases their overall energy costs.

Currently, only the state Public Service Commission has the authority to approve or decline most energy projects.

Our legislation would ensure that local governments and residents have the final say over any community solar installations being proposed within their municipal boundaries. More specifically, the respective governing body would need to pass the request by a two-thirds vote in order for the project to proceed. Furthermore, community solar sites must comply with local zoning ordinances.

Our bill also prohibits community solar developers from receiving state subsidies for generating electricity from a renewable energy source. Additionally, they would be required to pay property taxes and cover all decommissioning costs when lease agreements expire.

With these guardrails in place, I am confident that our legislation will help strengthen grid reliability, increase competition and lower utility expenses for many families across Wisconsin. Presently, our state has the second-highest residential electricity rate in the Midwest.

If you are interested in reviewing some of the media coverage of our press conference, please click here or here.