Solar Energy Projects Across Wisconsin Facing Community Pushback Including One in the Town of Saratoga

Thursday, October 16th, 2025 -- 8:00 AM

(Joe Schulz, Wisconsin Public Radio) Several solar energy projects across Wisconsin are facing community pushback, including two large projects being opposed by local governments.

According to Joe Schulz with Wisconsin Public Radio, town officials in northeast and central Wisconsin communities have come out against two utility-scale solar projects proposed in their communities. And village officials in south central Wisconsin delayed a vote on a small solar project after an hours-long public hearing last week.

The debate comes as a bill in the state Legislature would require local governments sign off on major solar or wind projects in their communities before state regulators.

Two of the big projects facing pushback include Fox Solar Project in the town of Morgan in Oconto County, and the Akron Solar Project in the town of Rome in Adams County and the town of Saratoga in Wood County. Both are being developed by Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources and require state approval but not local approval.

The Fox Solar Project would generate 100 megawatts, while the Akron Solar Project would generate 200 megawatts. For context, 100 megawatts of solar energy can power around 15,332 homes in Wisconsin, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The projects also include battery storage, 50 megawatts at Fox and 200 at Akron. Morgan Town Board Chair Lori Witthuhn and Rome Town Board Chair Carl Hasdal both submitted written comments to the state Public Service Commission opposing the projects.

The town of Rome has filed documents to be an intervenor in the Akron Solar case before the Public Service Commission, and the town of Morgan plans to do the same in the Fox Solar Project.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.