MILWAUKEE — The first large renewable energy project built in southeastern Wisconsin is fully up and running — and now providing power to customers. The Paris Solar Park officially went into service this week.
The 200-megawatt (MW) project in the Kenosha County town of Paris features nearly 500,000 solar panels capable of providing enough energy to power about 60,000 homes. The project was built primarily by Wisconsin union workers.
“This renewable project will support economic growth in the region and continues our commitment to deliver a bright, sustainable future for our customers and communities,” said Mike Hooper, president — We Energies. “From frigid winter mornings through the hottest summer days, the Paris Solar Park is producing affordable, reliable and clean energy.”
The park’s solar panels move and track the sun throughout the day, maximizing power generation. The panels also capture solar energy on both sides — an especially useful feature in winter when sun reflects off the snow and onto the panels.
The Paris Solar Park will provide both immediate and long-term savings to We Energies customers. The facility is already eligible for federal tax credits that will provide millions of dollars per year of savings to customers. And since the facility is powered by the sun, it does not require outside fuel, further reducing costs.
The Paris Solar Park also features 110 MW of battery storage. That portion of the project is under construction and is expected to be in service in 2025.
We Energies is the majority owner of the project. Wisconsin Public Service and Madison Gas and Electric are also co-owners.
The project was developed by U.S.-based Invenergy, a leading global developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions.