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Plan Commission approves ground-mounted solar array at 2101 Airport Road
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a final site plan and architectural review for a 360-panel, ground-mounted solar array at 2101 Airport Road, subject to engineering comments; the array will occupy roughly 24,000 square feet and reach about 10 feet at its highest point.
The Waukesha City Plan Commission approved a final site plan and architectural review on May 28 for a ground-mounted solar array proposed at 2101 Airport Road. Staff recommended approval subject to resolution of engineering department comments.
Project specifics and staff findings City staff member Charlie described the project site in the city’s M3 Limited Business and Industrial Park area, just south of the airport and north of Northview Road. The array will occupy roughly the rear half of the parcel, consist of six rows of 60 panels (360 total) covering about 24,000 square feet, and will have a maximum installed panel height of about 10 feet. The proposed ground surface beneath and between panels will be grama/dustless gravel to reduce maintenance and improve light reflection. An underground service will connect the array to the existing building’s electrical system; inverters and meter locations were shown on the plan.
Visibility and design Staff noted limited visibility from surrounding public rights-of-way and referenced an example of a similar installation at the GE Medical campus north of I‑94. The mounting system will use metal stands with concrete foundations; the applicant indicated new transformers and equipment will be located near existing electrical equipment on-site and that mechanical screening and siting minimize public view of the installation.
Decision and conditions A commissioner moved to approve the final site plan and architecture review; a second was recorded, and the commission approved the motion by voice vote. Approval is subject to resolving outstanding engineering-department comments during permit review.
Ending: Staff will verify that engineering comments are addressed as part of permit review and the project will proceed to construction once permits are issued.
