Solar Developer Presents Four Potential Marshfield Sites for New Utility-Scale Solar Project

By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now!

​Marshfield Utilities is exploring the addition of a new local solar energy project, and commissioners recently heard a detailed presentation outlining four potential locations where the installation could be built. The presentation was delivered by Stanley Minnick of One Energy Renewables, the developer partnering with Great Lakes Utilities on community-based solar opportunities across Wisconsin.

Minnick emphasized that while four locations are under review, only one solar installation will ultimately be built. Each site is being evaluated to determine the best match for land conditions, electrical interconnection, permitting feasibility, and long-term system performance.

Four Possible Sites Presented
The proposed project would be a utility-scale solar array built entirely on land already owned by Marshfield Utilities. Minnick walked commissioners through the characteristics of each potential site:

• Substation Area (Site 1)
Located near an existing utility substation, this site offers a strong electrical interconnection point and approximately 13 usable acres. Minnick noted that wetlands and slope are present but manageable under current design concepts.

• McMillan & Galvin (Site 2)
This location provides over 25 buildable acres and close proximity to distribution lines. The design team adjusted setbacks to account for nearby water transmission infrastructure. The site’s size gives it the flexibility to accommodate the full solar project footprint.

• Quarry-Area Site (Site 3)
Positioned south of the quarry, this site includes roughly 19 acres adaptable to solar development. Minnick explained that spacing and layout may shift as engineers refine shading, slope, and soil considerations.

• Townline Road (T & Y) Site (Site 4)
Minnick’s preferred layout from a design standpoint, this site sits deeper off the main road with existing access used by utility crews. The proposed layout protects nearby municipal test wells with wide buffers and would provide secure access for operations.

Modern Solar Design and Environmental Considerations
All four sites would utilize single-axis tracking panels that follow the sun from east to west throughout the day, extending the system’s generation window. The developer uses steel pile foundations—rather than concrete—to minimize land disturbance and improve future removal or replacement.

Minnick also discussed long-term vegetation planning. Depending on the site selected, the project could include native pollinator habitat or rotational sheep grazing for vegetation control. Because several of the locations fall within wellhead protection zones, the pollinator option may be more suitable.

Environmental studies, wetland delineations, and county permitting reviews are already underway for each of the four possible sites.

Project Goals: Local Power and Long-Term Savings
Representatives from Marshfield Utilities noted that the project is being pursued because it is expected to be cost-effective, reduce future wholesale market risks, and provide locally generated renewable power to the community. Partnering with Great Lakes Utilities allows Marshfield to leverage regional purchasing power and achieve lower pricing than if the project were pursued independently.

Minnick, who works out of the company’s Madison office, said One Energy Renewables has built or operates more than 70 projects in the Midwest and places strong emphasis on community engagement, local contracting, and educational opportunities.

Next Steps
​Marshfield Utilities will continue evaluating the four sites with the goal of selecting one final location in the coming months. Once a site is selected, the project will move into permitting, final engineering, and contract development. If approved, construction could begin after county review processes conclude.

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