The Town of Holland in Sheboygan County might become the site for a 150MW solar farm. The project called Onion River Solar, would occupy 1,000 – 1,200 acres and be built, subject to PSC approval, in 2021. Ranger Power, a NY-based solar developer would sell the power to local utilities that will increase the mix of clean energy supplied to Wisconsin customers. They have secured leases with a dozen local landowners, pending project approval. Aside from annual payments over 30 years to the landowners, the Town of Holland and Sheboygan County will receive substantial shared revenue from the solar farm. Onion River Solar is projected to generate $600 thousand in new local tax revenue annually – the Town of Holland will receive $250 thousand and Sheboygan County, $350 thousand per year.
As is the case for solar farm development across Wisconsin, the land will be planted in pollinator-friendly plant species and will be able to return to farmland after the 30-35-year life of the solar farm. More information is available on the Onion River Solar website. Sheboyganpress