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MUKWONAGO, Wis. — A proposed solar farm in the Town of Mukwonago would clear 28 acres of farmland for solar panels, drawing concern from some nearby residents, as the community weighs the project’s potential impacts and benefits.
Susan Cesar, a Town of Mukwonago resident, lives just across from where the site sits near County Road I.
Cesar said the site is surrounded by homes, unlike other solar farms she’s seen.
“This is a beautiful rural area, and there are homes all the way around that proposed site with people living there,” Cesar said. “And this will affect their way of life.”
Cesar said she is trying to raise awareness about opposition to the proposal.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people, and it’s surprising how few people know about it,” Cesar said. “And when you tell them about it, they’re upset.”
Company OneEnergy Renewables is developing the site. A public meeting is scheduled for Oct. 14 at Mukwonago Town Hall for residents to learn more about the project. OneEnergy said it is listening to residents, including concerns about how the solar farm would look and the removal of vegetation.
Peter Murphy, a member of the project development team, said existing vegetation screens the site on all sides and that more would be added where there are gaps.
“The whole site will be planted with native pollinator habitat, which improves water infiltration and supports birds, bees, butterflies,” Murphy said.
Murphy said the project would also bring state-required utility aid payments to the local community.
“Utility aid payments required by the state will bring $13,000 per year to the town and $17,000 per year to the county, with no added demand on local services,” Murphy said.
Cesar said she plans to attend the Oct. 14 meeting to voice her opinion.
“It can’t hurt,” Cesar said. “All we can do is try.”

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