MADISON — The rural community of Fulton in Rock County is the latest to benefit from the recent surge in solar development across Wisconsin. Alliant Energy announced the completion of its 50-megawatt (MW) North Rock Solar Project marking a major milestone for the company and the customers it serves. Over the life of the solar facility, the town of Fulton and Rock County are expected to receive approximately $6 million in combined shared revenue payments.
“The jobs and economic impact created by this project have already benefited our community,” said Rock County Board Supervisor Connie Winter. “Alliant Energy went to great lengths to work with us and deliver a project that we can all be proud of. When you consider the additional local revenue and future growth potential that a site like this creates, we’re really fortunate to be at the forefront of Wisconsin’s energy transformation.”
With nearly 120,000 solar panels spanning 473 acres, the North Rock Solar Project can generate enough zero-fuel-cost electricity to power approximately 13,000 homes. It is the third utility-scale solar site Alliant Energy completed this year as part of its Clean Energy Blueprint to deliver more sustainable, reliable and cost-effective energy to customers. With the completion of the North Rock Solar site, along with the previously announced Wood County and Bear Creek solar projects, Alliant Energy is now the largest owner-operator of solar generation in Wisconsin.
“We’ve taken bold steps to accelerate our energy transition and deliver more reliable, cost-effective and sustainable power,” said David de Leon, Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin president. “Smart investments in forward-looking projects, like the North Rock Solar site, demonstrate our ongoing commitment to serve customers and build stronger communities. By partnering with local communities and leveraging the skilled craftsmanship of in-state union labor, we are building a brighter and healthier energy future for all.”
The North Rock Solar Project relied on the skilled work and craftsmanship of more than 100 operating engineers, carpenters, laborers and electricians from several local union halls. This increased the project’s positive impact on the local economy while achieving an exceptional safety record. Construction began in August 2021 and completed ahead of schedule without any recordable injuries.
Less than 25 miles from the North Rock Solar site, Alliant Energy is also advancing the Albany Solar (50 MW) and Paddock Solar (65 MW) projects that the company expects to complete and place into service by the end of 2023. Following plans laid out in its Clean Energy Blueprint, Alliant Energy’s combined 12 utility scale projects will create more than 2,000 local construction jobs, provide an estimated $130 million in local tax revenues over the next 30 years and help customers avoid more than $1.6 billion in long-term costs.