Dunn County Energy Co-op Unveils New Solar Arrays

Dunn County Energy Co-op held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday to celebrate its two new solar arrays in the Chippewa Valley.

According to a WQOW report, the organization partnered with Dairyland Power Cooperative, One Energy, and local land owners to build the new renewable energy sources in Boyceville and Colfax. The arrays sit on about 10 acres of land three miles east of Boyceville, and officials say it’s actually been producing and collecting energy since January despite its official unveiling this week.

General manager and CEO of Dunn County Energy Co-op Jesse Singerhouse said “Having this local source is great for our members because it’s producing the power right here. It’s helping the local economy by leading the land, having local contractors work on the project and help maintain it so it stimulates the economy and we use that energy right here in our system instead of transmitting energy from further away.”

According to the United States Department of Energy, using solar power can be a massive financial benefit on top of its clean energy production. On a residential level, solar power can reduce utility bills, keep the lights on when the electrical grid fails during storms or extreme heat, and works in a variety of climates.

The large scale solar arrays unveiled in Dunn County this week will be able to produce enough energy to power 600 to 800 homes over a year’s time. The energy Co-op is also planning another solar project over the next two years near Elk Mound which is estimated to be able to produce two and a half mega-watts of energy.