The 1.3 GW Vista Sands Solar Farm—set to become Wisconsin’s largest solar installation—has cleared its final major hurdle after reaching a breakthrough agreement with the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. The deal resolves months of conservation concerns regarding the threatened greater prairie-chicken, enabling the $2 billion project to maintain its scale while incorporating measures to protect local ecosystems.
Agreement Ensures Habitat Protection
Located on nearly 7,000 acres in Portage County, the Vista Sands project will generate enough energy to power over 200,000 homes and include a 300 MW battery storage component. Large BESS plants are becoming a natural coupling to solar and wind power projects to improve power stability inteh grid.
However, its proximity to the Buena Vista State Wildlife Area, home to a significant population of greater prairie-chickens, drew strong opposition from conservationists.
The newly reached agreement includes:
- 750 acres designated for prairie-chicken habitat protection
- A $1 million conservation fund from Doral Renewables for habitat restoration and land acquisition
- A commitment not to construct solar panels within 500 feet of critical wildlife areas
“This shows what’s possible when developers and conservationists engage in meaningful dialogue,” said Cody Kamrowski, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
Construction to Begin in 2026
With all regulatory hurdles cleared, Doral Renewables plans to begin construction in Spring 2026, with full operations expected by late 2028. The project will create 500 construction jobs and 50 permanent positions, and is expected to provide over $6 million annually in utility aid payments to local municipalities.
Project Manager Jon Baker emphasized that energy and environmental goals need not be at odds. “We’ve shown that development and wildlife protection can go hand-in-hand,” he said.
Carbon Reduction and Economic Impact
A third-party report found that the Vista Sands project would displace up to 94% fossil fuel generation, eliminating 1.6 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. The environmental benefits are projected to yield $630 million in economic gains in the first year alone, through reduced healthcare costs and improved ecosystem services.
Project Factsheet – Vista Sands Solar Farm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Vista Sands Solar Farm |
| Location | Portage County, Wisconsin |
| Developer | Doral Renewables |
| Capacity | 1.3 GW Solar + 300 MW Battery Storage |
| Construction Start | Spring 2026 (Expected) |
| Full Operation | Late 2028 (Projected) |
| Jobs Created | ~500 (construction), ~50 (permanent) |
| Total Investment | $2 Billion |
| Wildlife Protections | 750 acres preserved, $1M habitat fund, 500-ft buffer |
| Carbon Offset | 1.6M metric tons of CO₂/year |
| Utility Aid Payments | $6+ million annually to local communities |
The Vista Sands project is now seen as a model for future cooperation between clean energy developers and environmental advocates, setting a precedent for balancing renewable progress with wildlife conservation.
Also read: Wood County Solar project begins construction, Wisconsin
