We Energies: Milwaukee's largest solar project will save customers $1B+
MILWAUKEE - Mayor Barrett on Tuesday, March 16 was joined by Alderman Scott Spiker and community partners to unveil the largest solar energy system in Milwaukee’s history.
The nine-acre project is located on a city-owned landfill near Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and was built through a cooperative agreement between the City of Milwaukee, We Energies and the 128th Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
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It produces approximately 2.25 megawatts.
"This project is part of what I call my 'all of the above solar strategy,'" said Barrett. "All of the above -- this means I continue to support a robust and competitive market for rooftop solar energy, as well as large-scale renewable energy projects."
It consists of approximately 7,200 panels.
"This facility is about 2.25 megawatts and its enough to support about 500 homes," said Tom Metcalfe, president of We Energies.
Metcalfe and Mayor Barrett said the project has huge implications.
"We’ve already reduced our emissions by 50% since 2005," said Metcalife. "We’re on track to reduce them a further 70% by 2030, and to be net carbon neutral by 2050."
Over the next 20 years, Metcalfe said with these kinds of investments being made, customers can expect to save more than $1 billion.
With this solar farm, We Energies now holds the titles for having both the biggest wind and solar energy generators in the state.