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Shilling applauds community solar farm
Vernon Electric project will be states first community-owned solar facility
jennifer shilling
State Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). - photo by Contributed

At their annual meeting March 22, Vernon Electric Cooperative announced that they will be building the state’s first community solar project.

“It is very encouraging that the first community solar project in our state is being built in western Wisconsin,” said state Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Our strong entrepreneurial spirit and abundance of natural resources has propelled our region to the forefront of homegrown renewable energy production. Renewable energy projects like wind and solar not only improve the health and sustainability of our communities, but these energy projects have the added benefit of creating local jobs and boosting our regional economy.”

In partnership with the Clean Energy Collective, a national community solar developer, the Vernon Electric Cooperative plans to host a 305 kW community solar array adjacent to a 520 kW solar array being built simultaneously by Dairyland Power. It is expected that a total of 825 kW of solar capacity will be up and running by early summer. Through the Clean Energy Collective model, any member in Vernon Electric Cooperative’s service territory can purchase panels from the shared farm and the energy generated will be credited to the individual or business’s monthly utility bills.

To learn more, individuals can visit the Vernon Electric Cooperative website at: www.vernonelectric.org.