A significant solar energy project is set to transform Barron County, Wisconsin, with plans for a 228-megawatt solar and battery storage facility. The project, which has been in development since early 2022, is expected to kick off construction in the second quarter of 2026 and aims for completion by 2027.

The project will be executed in two phases: the first phase will consist of 148 megawatts, while the second phase will add 80 megawatts of solar power and 50 megawatts of battery storage. Covering over 1,500 acres, the facility will involve seven main landowners and will include a nearly 1.8-mile transmission line connecting to the Barron Substation.

Local officials expressed gratitude for the collaboration throughout the planning process, emphasizing the importance of community input. The project is projected to generate substantial economic benefits, including an annual revenue of approximately $736,000 for Barron County and $563,000 for the town of Maple Grove. During the construction phase, an estimated $23 million will be injected into the local economy, benefiting local businesses such as hardware stores and restaurants.

In addition to economic impacts, the project will create jobs, with opportunities for local contractors and laborers during construction. Once operational, it is expected to provide three permanent jobs on-site.

The developers have committed to community safety, planning emergency response training sessions before and after construction. They also addressed concerns about the longevity and efficiency of solar panels, assuring that the technology is designed to last for 35 years with minimal degradation.

As Barron County moves forward with this renewable energy initiative, the project not only aims to enhance local energy reliability but also aligns with broader goals of sustainability and economic growth in the region.