Michels Corporation of Brownsville is backing a solar array in Fond du Lac County by becoming an anchor tenant for the project. Alliant Energy’s 1-megawatt community solar project allows utility customers to buy part of the solar project in exchange for a credit on their monthly electric bills, saving money as long as the array remains in use. The company says it is the first of it’s kind in the state. Michels Corp. is backing the project by purchasing 30% of the solar blocks that make up the community solar array. The company is also leasing land for the site to Alliant Energy and has supported the project since its early stages, according to a news release. The array is 75% sold, just three months into the project. Solar blocks cost $375 each. “As an energy and infrastructure contractor, we support initiatives to provide reliable power from a variety of sources,” said Pat Michels, Michels Corp. president and CEO. “We look forward to using green energy at our facilities served by Alliant Energy.” Alliant’s solar project in Fond du Lac is the first of its kind in Wisconsin. The arrangement is in more frequent use in states such as Minnesota.
