PPCS launches community solar project

Posted 3/30/23

Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) is excited to announce the addition of a 2-megawatt solar array that will come online later this year. PPCS, along with eight other Wisconsin electric …

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PPCS launches community solar project

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Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) is excited to announce the addition of a 2-megawatt solar array that will come online later this year. PPCS, along with eight other Wisconsin electric cooperatives, has been working with OneEnergy Renewable of Madison to develop 12 utility-scale solar arrays across the state. Over the next two years, the group will add 22 megawatts of new solar generation, enough to power 4,000 homes. The PPCS project will be located along Highway 35 and County Road K on property that was owned by Tim and Christine Truttman.

“The PPCS array is an important part of our energy future, and it allows PPCS to further diversify its generation sources which are largely sourced from our wholesale power provider,” stated Dave Chavie, manager of energy innovation at PPCS. 

The PPCS array will generate around 4,290,000 kilowatt hours which is enough to power approximately 525 homes. PPCS will purchase the output of the array from OneEnergy. OneEnergy will own, operate, and maintain the facility including working closely on a productive vegetation management program that uses sheep to graze between the panels during the summer and fall.

The Truttman family has owned this property for generations. A tree farm was planted and harvested on the 16-acre parcel until recently when it was turned into cropland.

“As long-time members of PPCS, we are excited to work with the co-op and OneEnergy to bring renewable energy to Pierce County. Our land has been used for many different purposes and now it’s going to help provide an essential service to help all members of PPCS,” stated Christine and Tim Truttman. 

Chavie added, “We couldn’t have asked for better partners throughout this process and the Truttmans’ commitment to this project has helped push it forward.”

The project has been approved by the Pierce County Land Management Office. OneEnergy will work closely with the cooperative to ensure the project and construction is completed safely and on time. OneEnergy expects to bring the array online by the end of 2023 at which time it will be interconnected with the PPCS distribution system and feed into the Trenton substation.

Nate Boettcher, PPCS president and CEO added, “We are excited to power our communities with renewable energy, and kudos to everyone who has been involved and continues to ensure this will be a success. This is just another example of our commitment to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.”

Cooperative members who want to find out more about the project can attend the PPCS annual meeting on Thursday, March 30 starting at 5 p.m. The annual meeting will feature a presentation by industry thought leader Bill LeBlanc, the PPCS business meeting, the election of directors, and comments by the board chair and management. Dinner will be provided.

Submitted by Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services

Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, solar, Ellsworth, Wisconsin