Solar Farm Vista Sands, Largest in Wisconsin, to Secure Habitat for Greater Prairie Chickens
The Vista Sands Solar Farm project, set to be Wisconsin's largest solar installation, is progressing with significant milestones achieved. Located in Portage County, the project represents one of the state's largest renewable energy ventures, with a planned capacity of 1.3 gigawatts (GW).
Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026, with full operations expected by the end of 2028. This ambitious project is projected to generate energy sufficient for over 200,000 homes and will create approximately 500 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions once operational.
Recognising the importance of environmental conservation, the Vista Sands project has entered into a collaborative agreement with conservation groups, including the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and the North American Grouse Partnership. This collaboration aims to protect Wisconsin’s state-threatened Greater Prairie Chicken.
Key measures include adjustments to the project to further protect wildlife habitat, restoration of nearly 7,000 acres of native grasslands in the region, a $2.1 million contribution to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Greater Prairie Chicken management plan, and funding for university-led research on wildlife interactions with solar facilities.
The Vista Sands project also pledges not to construct solar panels within 500 feet of critical wildlife areas and has designated 750 acres for prairie-chicken habitat protection. Furthermore, Doral Renewables, the project's developer, has committed to establishing a $1 million conservation fund for habitat restoration and land acquisition.
In terms of carbon offset, the Vista Sands project is projected to eliminate 1.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually. This substantial reduction in carbon emissions will contribute significantly to Wisconsin’s renewable energy goals.
The Vista Sands project also includes a 300 MW battery storage component, making it an attractive model for future renewable energy projects. With a capital investment exceeding $1 billion, the project is expected to generate over $6 million annually in utility aid payments to Portage County and local municipalities hosting the project, supporting local economic growth.
The Vista Sands Solar Farm project is seen as a model for future cooperation between clean energy developers and environmental advocates. By combining a large-scale clean energy capacity with significant wildlife conservation measures and a strong economic boost to the region, the Vista Sands Solar Farm is poised to become a landmark renewable energy project in Wisconsin.
The Vista Sands Solar Farm project, in partnership with conservation groups like the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and the North American Grouse Partnership, strives to protect the state-threatened Greater Prairie Chicken, with key measures such as habitat adjustments, restoring 7,000 acres of native grasslands, and funding for university-led research on wildlife interactions with solar facilities. The project, aimed at being Wisconsin's largest solar installation, is also committed to minimizing impact on wildlife, positioning solar panels 500 feet away from critical areas and setting aside 750 acres for prairie-chicken habitat protection.
With a planned capacity of 1.3 GW and a scheduled construction in Spring 2026, the project is estimated to generate energy for over 200,000 homes while creating 500 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions once operational. Apart from mitigating climate-change by eliminating 1.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually, the Vista Sands project includes a 300 MW battery storage component, making it a significant model for future renewable energy endeavors.
In addition, the project's developer, Doral Renewables, has set up a $1 million conservation fund for habitat restoration and land acquisition, contributing to the local environment and economy. The project's capital investment of over $1 billion is expected to generate over $6 million annually in utility aid payments to Portage County and local municipalities, helping to foster economic growth within the industry and business sector.
This ambitious clean energy venture thus embodies a successful combination of renewable-energy, environmental-science, finance, and business elements, demonstrating a promising approach for sustainable and responsible development in the construction and energy sector.
