MANITOWOC COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – Wisconsin’s first large-scale solar facility is proving to be an energy success as it marks its one-year anniversary.
Two Creeks Solar Park in Manitowoc County has been in operation since November of 2020. WPS Spokesman Matt Cullen says the facility can generate 150 megawatts of energy.
“It has enough to power more than 60 million smartphones for a year, 515,000 refrigerators for a year, and maybe most impressive of all, it could power more than 2,500 home games at Lambeau Field,” Cullen told WTAQ News. “We’re pleased with the success that we’ve seen with Two Creeks Solar Park. It continued to reliably serve homes and businesses throughout the past year… not only during the summer months when the demand for energy is at it’s greatest, but also throughout the year being able to reliably serve through all types of weather.”
The facility is designed to be able to produce energy on sunny summer days, cloudy winter days, and just about any other kind of conditions. The panels are set on a tracking system that rotates panels to follow the sun, and also allows for the panels to be tilted to avoid snow build-up.
WPS adds it has completed of the first phase of Badger Hollow Solar Park. It’s capable of producing 150 MW of solar generation, which is equal to powering 45,000 homes. It features nearly 500,000 state-of-the-art panels.
“These facilities will play an important role in helping us reduce carbon emissions and build a bright, sustainable future for the customers and community that we serve,” Cullen said.
WPS’ parent company, WEC Energy Group’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions 80% by the end of 2030 and to make its electric generation fleet net carbon neutral by 2050. The company also has announced plans to transition away from coal as a fuel source by 2035.
