Vista Sands Solar Farm
Creating opportunity and investing in central Wisconsin.
Vista Sands Solar Farm
Vista Sands Solar Farm, near the towns of Plover and Grant in Portage County, is a transformational solar development recently approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in late 2024. Taking place over approximately 9,500 acres of private land, the project will have a maximum output of 1.3 gigawatts (GW). It brings the ability to transform the area with new jobs, added tax revenues for local governments, and long-term environmental benefits for current and future generations.
Vista Sands Solar Farm is committed to growing opportunities in Portage County. The project will bring a total capital investment of nearly $2 billion and create approximately creating 500 jobs during construction and about 50 permanent jobs, helping stimulate economic activity that benefits everyone.
The project marks a significant step forward for the State of Wisconsin as it looks to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050. Vista Sands Solar Farm is expected to avoid approximately 1.7 million metric tons of carbon emissions in its first year alone, while reducing thousands of metric tons of other harmful pollutants currently impacting human health.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to serving as community partners and look forward to working with our new neighbors in Portage County to catalyze growth. Together, we’ll use the land in new, efficient, and exciting ways that will invest in local communities and create long-lasting benefits.
Vista Sands Solar Farm is set to bring transformational growth to the Portage County area with new jobs, additional tax revenue, and long-term environmental benefits. We’re excited to partner with the community to develop this exciting new project.
The year-round positive impacts of a development like this are indisputable, with new financial resources and support for local governments. This project will fuel economic development in the region through partnership with local workers and businesses. The increased tax base will provide additional support to schools and vital community services.
The energy produced from the project will be American-made clean energy, set to benefit the surrounding area. Wisconsin consumes almost six times as much energy as it produces, and producing more energy right here at home will move Wisconsin toward energy independence. Vista Sands Solar Farm will also reduce harmful emissions and pollution, offering a significant step forward in addressing public health, environmental, and economic challenges in Portage County, Wisconsin, and beyond.
Project Updates
December, 2024
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved Vista Sands Solar’s application to construct the Vista Sands Solar Farm in the Village of Plover and Towns of Plover, Buena Vista, and Grant in Portage County, Wisconsin. Construction is estimated to begin in 2025. (Press Release)
Our Promise to
Landowners
Dear Landowners,
Our hard work is aligned with your interests because a successful project outcome means secured income for all of us. Your land may have been in your family for generations. We understand that committing it to a new future is serious, and has implications for your grandchildren that extend beyond the lucrative outcome. We raised our family on a Pennsylvania maple farm (a hobby) and share the connection to land. Our Principals can name every landowner (hundreds) of each project as we maintain the relationships we built.
Nick Cohen
President and Co-founder
Doral Renewables LLC
Our Promise to
Landowners
Dear Landowners,
Our hard work is aligned with your interests because a successful project outcome means secured income for all of us. Your land may have been in your family for generations. We understand that committing it to a new future is serious, and has implications to your grandchildren that extend beyond the lucrative outcome. We raised our family on a Pennsylvania maple farm (a hobby) and share the connection to land. Our Principals can name every landowner (hundreds) of each project as we maintain the relationships we built.
Nick Cohen
President and Co-founder
Doral Renewables LLC
What People Are Saying About
Our Indiana Project
“With commodity pricing being so volatile, it’s nice to be able to rely on steady predictable income from the solar farm.”
Mark Kolish, Landowner
“It’s a bright spot in our future. The economic benefit for the County is really needed. The timing is perfect. We are glad to be a part of it.”
Jim and Sheila Buczek, Landowners
“We have to develop alternative energy. Solar is better for the environment. We are doing our part to help combat climate change.
Swanson’s Farms
Project Map
Did you know:
- 5,700 to 7,900 acres of agricultural lands in the vicinity of the Buena Vista Wildlife Area will be restored to grasslands.
- Vista Sands Solar’s ecologists have designed a seed mix that will be used across the Project area, creating a suitable environment for both native wildlife and solar energy generation.
- Vista Sands Solar will not construct any panels within 500 feet of Greater Prairie-chicken leks identified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
- Vista Sands Solar was designed to avoid waterways and no impacts to drainage are anticipated in the Project area.