Wisconsin's Clean Energy Buildout Accelerates as Public Service Commission Gives Green Light to Thousands of Megawatts
02 November 2026
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has approved over 7,300 megawatts of solar and 118 megawatts of wind since 2019, with an additional 100 megawatts of solar and 277 megawatts of wind currently under review, according to the state's 2026 Clean Energy Plan Progress Report.
This figure reflects an acceleration in project approvals over the past four years. About 4,000 megawatts of utility-scale solar and wind installations have been approved between 2019 and 2024 - averaging 800 megawatts annually. Since 2024, the approval rate has increased to 1,600 megawatts per year.
Utilities Plan $1.9 Billion Investment in Renewable Energy
Several Wisconsin utilities are moving forward with major renewable energy projects. We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, and Madison Gas & Electric filed plans with the PSC for five renewable energy projects totaling $1.9 billion in investment. These include the Saratoga Solar Energy Center, Ursa Solar Park, Dawn Harvest Solar Energy Center, Badger Hollow Wind Farm, and Whitetail Wind Farm.
The projects will deliver 500 megawatts of solar, 180 megawatts of wind, and 100 megawatts of battery storage capacity. We Energies confirmed in late 2025 that the PSC approved its purchase of over 450 megawatts of new solar, wind, and battery storage projects, scheduled to begin serving customers between 2027 and 2028.
In early 2026, RENEW Wisconsin reported construction activity on multiple large solar projects. These include 1,265 megawatts of capacity being developed by We Energies and Madison Gas & Electric within three years.
RENEW Wisconsin Also Outlined Several Key Projects Currently Moving Forward
The Wisconsin-based environmental group highlighted these significant developments:
- The Badger Hollow Wind Project, an 180-megawatt solar array, received regulatory approval in 2026.
- The Whitewater Solar Project, another 180-megawatt installation, was approved the same year.
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- The Saratoga Solar Energy Center, rated at 100 megawatts.
- The Ursa Solar Park, with 150 megawatts of capacity.
- The Whitetail Wind Farm, an 180-megawatt installation.
- The Badger Hollow Wind Farm, providing 118 megawatts of wind power.
State Funding Bolsters Wisconsin's Transition to Cleaner Energy
Wisconsin's clean energy expansion has received financial support from the state government, which allocated $11.5 million in October 2026 for 36 projects across multiple clean energy sectors including efficiency, technology, storage, and planning.
From 6.6% to 10%: Wisconsin's Rapidly Expanding Solar Sector
With utility-scale projects advancing quickly, Wisconsin's solar generation has risen from 1.6% of state power in 2020 to 6.6% in 2025. Projections indicate utility-scale solar could provide 10% of Wisconsin's electricity by 2030 as development continues.