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Finance committee hears developer presentation on utility‑scale solar lease near Green Bay substation
Summary
Developers from 1 Energy presented a proposed land lease and easement for Parcel 22 (SC‑513) near a substation and described bifacial panels, single‑axis trackers, site fencing, pollinator habitat and community benefits; the committee moved into a closed session for negotiation and then directed staff to proceed.
Developers from 1 Energy Development LLC presented a community‑scale solar project to the Green Bay Finance Committee on Dec. 9, describing site suitability, equipment and land‑stewardship plans for Parcel 22 (SC‑513), a city‑owned parcel near a substation.
Nolan Stumpf, a project manager with the developer, said the parcel is attractive because of its proximity to existing infrastructure and limited environmental constraints. Julie, the project developer manager, described the project components: bifacial solar panels on single‑axis trackers with a maximum tilt height of 8–10 feet, driven steel I‑beams set 8–12 feet into the ground, about 24 inverters on site, transformers on steel skids, and an 8‑foot fence installed to meet electrical‑safety standards. The developers said panels would be arranged to minimize grading and preserve existing topography and hydrology.
The developers also described proposed land stewardship measures including a native pollinator prairie seed mix, a cover crop and a vegetation‑management schedule (mowing three times in year one, twice in subsequent years), on‑site grazing at some projects and school‑donation programs. “For all of our projects we try to have a low impact and dual use approach,” Julie said, noting experience with projects in Wisconsin and neighboring states.
After technical questions from alderpersons about production in Wisconsin’s winter climate and species selection for pollinator plantings, the committee voted to convene a closed session under Wis. Stat. §19.85 to deliberate negotiating strategy for a land lease and solar easement. The committee reconvened in open session and directed staff to proceed with negotiations and next steps.
The committee did not adopt final lease terms in open session; members asked staff to return with negotiated terms following closed‑session bargaining. The developer representatives said they will provide additional site addresses and technical details requested by staff and alderpersons.
