Georgetown Solar dedicated May 23, 2024, energy benefits local co-op members
by General Manager Steve Stroshane
On a blue-sky day in May, I was joined by friends of the co-op to dedicate Georgetown Solar, our newest solar array to benefit local co-op members.
Most important in our decision to execute this project: Georgetown Solar benefits the members of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative by generating power locally. It not only adds clean energy to the grid, but it also provides financial and operational benefits. Operationally, it helps us relieve high summer demand at nearby Bunyan Substation. Financially, it helps us become less reliant on the energy market and provides a stable power cost for the next 25 years. Georgetown Solar fulfills our mission of providing safe, reliable electricity for our members.
Georgetown Solar is located just northeast of Balsam Lake in the Town of Georgetown, Polk County. This site near the intersection of County Roads I and H was selected because it's close to Bunyan Substation, where solar energy will feed into the electric distribution system and help supply that area's growing demand for electricity.
Last summer, we saw the energy load at Bunyan Sub spike over the Fourth of July weekend, as seasonal homes filled with family and friends, and air conditioners ran nonstop to cool us down over the hot holiday weekend. Georgetown Solar will take some of the pressure off substation equipment, especially during the summertime when it's needed most.
The 2 MW array generates 4.3 million kWh of electricity annually, enough to power about 430 homes. The array sits on 12 acres and has 4,472 panels that operate on a tracking system to follow the path of the sun for maximum power generation. It was officially energized December 28, 2023, and we celebrated with a ribbon cutting May 23, 2024.
Polk-Burnett partnered with OneEnergy Renewables to develop Georgetown Solar. The Madison-based company has expertise in site development, engineering, equipment purchasing, construction and operations. The timing of Georgetown Solar construction was coordinated with other co-op solar projects across Wisconsin to get a better price and return on investment for members.
“We’re proud to participate on this project with Polk-Burnett,” said Beth Esser of OneEnergy Renewables at the ribbon cutting. “Developing local solar requires collaboration among trusted partners. I’d like to thank co-op, county and municipal leaders, as well as our landowners. Georgetown Solar demonstrates your commitment to the community and our natural resources for years to come.”
Co-op solar arrays are dual-purpose spaces that provide energy for members, as well as acres of important ecosystems. The ground under the array is being restored with pasture, prairie grasses and wildflowers, providing habitat for pollinators and healthy root systems to prevent soil erosion from wind and rain.
Georgetown Solar is the second utility scale solar array in Polk-Burnett's service territory. The first, SunTuria Solar, was dedicated in 2017 behind the co-op office in Centuria. The 1.25 MW system generates power for about 200 homes. It is owned and operated by ENGIE North America, and the co-op purchases the solar energy output. School and community groups are invited for tours. You can see energy output and learn more about Georgetown and SunTuria Solar on our website.
