Clark Electric Cooperative participates in utility-scale solar project
Earlier this year, Clark Electric Cooperative announced the development of the Popple Creek Utility Scale Solar Project, a 2.0-megawatt (MW) solar array north of Highway N in the town of Green Grove. This is the first utility-scale solar project in Clark County.
The site is nearing completion and expected to be operational by Jan. 9, said Tim Stewart, Clark Electric CEO/ general manager. The array contains 4,472 modules and 20 inverters, and is expected to generate over 4,407,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. To maximize energy production, the array utilizes a tracking system that follows the sun throughout the day.
The concept for the Popple Creek Solar Project began in tandem with eight other electric cooperatives in Wisconsin, working together, along with OneEnergy Renewable of Madison, to develop utility-scale solar arrays across the state.
“Basically, we coordinated the timing of our local solar project with other cooperatives to get a better price and return on our investment for our members. Cooperation among cooperatives is our guiding principle for this project,” said Stewart. “Wisconsin electric cooperatives are known for our work together to benefit members; for example, you often see co-ops assisting each other with storm recovery. This utility-scale solar project will benefit our local membership by providing renewable energy to help with the goal of de-carbonization of power supply in a cost effective way.”
The cooperative has entered into a purchased power agreement to purchase the output from the solar project. The project developer, One Energy Renewables, is a leading solar energy company experienced in site development, engineering, equipment purchasing, construction and operations of solar. The Madison-based team has developed 15 projects across Wisconsin, and another 11 in adjacent states.
This project is the second solar project that Clark Electric Cooperative has been involved in, the first being a 50-kW community solar array adjacent to the cooperative’s headquarters building in Greenwood.
Clark Electric Cooperative staff members and community members recently cut the ribbon on Clark Electric’s solar farm in the town of Green Grove. Shown above (l-r) are Allen Jicinsky, Chuck Lindner, Mike Ruff, Jim Hager, Herman Seebandt, Tim Stewart, Marvin Verquilen, Eric Udelhofen and Scott Johnson.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
