The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) has granted approval for Ranger Power’s Badger State Solar facility, with the entire 149 megawatt renewable energy output purchased by Dairyland Power Cooperative. The solar energy facility will be located on the land of participating private landowners in the Towns of Jefferson and Oakland in Jefferson County, Wis.

At its open meeting on Jan. 30, the PSCW commissioners voted unanimously to verbally approve issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), following completion of the regulatory review.

Badger State Solar will generate enough renewable energy to power over 20,000 homes. Ranger Power is the developer of the solar energy facility. Pollinator habitat is also planned for the site.

"Diversifying our energy resources is a top priority at Dairyland and Badger State Solar will add substantial renewable energy to our portfolio. The Commission’s decision supports Dairyland’s commitment to a sustainable future, benefitting our cooperative membership and the environment," said Rob Palmberg, Dairyland Vice President, External and Member Relations.

Along with the renewable energy it produces, Badger State Solar is expected to bring significant economic impacts to the area. In addition to new local tax revenue, the facility will bring hundreds of construction jobs to the area.

"Ranger Power is pleased with the Commission’s unanimous decision, confirming the benefits Badger State Solar will bring to Jefferson County and all of Wisconsin," said Andrew Hamilton, Ranger Power’s lead developer for Badger State Solar. "The project avoids air emissions, protects land, benefits farmers and results in significant tax benefits for local governments," said Hamilton. "We look forward to finalizing plans and starting construction next year."

Dairyland and Ranger Power announced the proposed project in March 2019. Construction of Badger State Solar will begin in 2021 with commercial operation commencing in 2022.

Dairyland Power Cooperative was formed in December 1941. Headquartered in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland provides the wholesale electrical requirements for 24 distribution cooperatives and 17 municipal utilities, which supply the energy needs of more than a half-million people in the four-state service area. Visit www.DairylandPower.com.

Ranger Power (www.RangerPower.com) is a utility-scale solar energy development company committed to working closely with landowners and communities to bring new investment and clean energy throughout the Midwest. See www.badgerstatesolar.com to learn more.