Our Commitment to You
We are committed to Portage County, the people who live here and the land that makes it unique. Vista Sands Solar looks forward to working with our new neighbors to create growth and support responsible land stewardship. Together, we’ll create long-lasting benefits for the community.
The 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 local spending and hiring. The payments to local government will provide additional support to schools and vital community services. These payments are estimated to total $6 million and will start being disbursed when the project begins producing energy.
- Town of Plover: $758,767
- Town of Grant: $1,955,633
- Town of Buena Vista: 140,400
- Portage County: $3,712,800
*The above figures are estimates and will be paid from the state to the respective county/municipality when the project reaches operational status.
The Doral team has strong respect for the important role local farmers play in their community. We share the values of integrity, hard work, family and community. We embrace our future role as an active community member. We pledge our efforts to be good partners, good neighbors. You can count on us.
Environmental Responsibility
We believe that responsible environmental stewardship starts with us – promoting clean, renewable energy should not compromise our natural surroundings. Vista Sands Solar prioritizes environmental responsibility by harnessing the power of the sun while preserving and improving landscapes for future generations.
In fact, 5,700 to 7,900 acres of agricultural lands near the Buena Vista Wildlife Area will be restored to grasslands, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to return thousands of acres of grasslands to Wisconsin. Vista Sands Solar’s ecologists have designed a seed mix for the Project’s paneled areas that aims to restore suitable habitats for native species of birds, small mammals, reptiles, and pollinating insects. The seed mix is comprised of 17 native grass and sedge species and 31 native wildflower species that will bloom throughout spring, summer, and fall, providing rich pollen and nectar sources.
Vista Sands Solar is also prioritizing the presence of the Greater Prairie-chicken (GRPC) leks near the Project site and incorporates design principles to mitigate impacts to the GRPC. Vista Sands Solar will not construct any panels within 500 feet of GRPC leks identified during the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) lek surveys and has agreed to placement of bird diverters on nearby Project fences in coordination with the WDNR.
Making Solar Work for Central Wisconsin
The positive environmental impacts this project will provide the region are clear: solar energy systems do not produce air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. Portage County can play a meaningful role in reducing the reliance on more harmful sources of electricity.
The solar panels are safe for the land and proven to work year round in various weather conditions – which is important in a place like Wisconsin! Solar panels continue to function properly in the colder weather as the PV technology in panels leverages the cold to generate power. The sloped panels are positioned toward the sun, and the snow can actually increase the amount of sunlight absorbed by the panels. When the useful life of the Project is over, the panels and all above ground equipment will be removed so that the land can be returned to its original use, including farming.