The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) is accepting public comments on the Dawn Harvest Solar Energy Center by developer Invenergy. This is a 150MW solar project with 50MW of battery storage located in the Towns of Harmony and La Prairie in Rock County. It would occupy an estimated 1,012 acres (96% ag land) with solar panels mounted to single axis trackers that track the sun. The system would generate enough electricity to power approximately 30,000 homes. The battery energy storage system will store energy that will be released to the grid when needed (such as at high energy use times). Agricultural or deer fencing raised 6 inches or with openings 1 x 1 foot at intervals will allow small animal movement. Dawn Harvest Solar is estimated to pay upwards of $96 million over the life of the project in property taxes to the County and towns, lease payments to local farmland owners, and salaries to employees, and create 300 construction jobs in Rock County.
The PSC held two public hearings on January 21st in Janesville, WI. Comments can be submitted to the PSC in writing as well: submit written comments until February, 14, 2025. To reference the project and to see maps and documents, use PSC Docket ID: 9809-CE-100.