Waunakee board approves small ground-mounted solar array for Crossroads United Methodist Church

The Waunakee Village Board approved a conditional use permit (CUP) allowing Crossroads United Methodist Church to install two small ground-mounted solar arrays at 5901 Hogan Road.

Staff described the project as modest — about 580 watts and roughly 445 square feet — but noted village code requires board approval for any ground-mounted solar installations. Because the site lies adjacent to a delineated wetland, staff recommended a condition that the arrays be constructed at least 75 feet from the wetland. The applicant and contractor clarified the arrays would be set approximately 120 feet from the wetland in the revised site plan and use anti-reflective modules.

Doyle Ericson, a trustee at Crossroads United Methodist who said the congregation spent about three years researching and fundraising for the project, told the board the system is intended to "protect God's creation" and reduce the church’s electric consumption. When Trustee Nyla Fry asked how much energy the system would provide, the applicant said it was projected to offset about 100% of the facility’s annual usage, subject to year-to-year weather variation.

Board members asked about siting, glare and tracking. The contractor explained the arrays are fixed in azimuth (south-facing) with adjustable tilt settings (approximately 15°–45°) rather than sun-tracking; anti-reflective coatings minimize glare. Trustees also confirmed that adjacent property owners received notice as required for the CUP process. After questions, a motion to approve the CUP carried.

The board requested that staff ensure the final, revised site plan and wetland delineation are on file before construction begins.