en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Center for Rural Affairs has released a fact sheet to help local officials in Wisconsin establish siting and zoning standards for decommissioning wind and solar energy systems.

The demand for reliable, affordable electricity is driving wind and solar development in Wisconsin. As more projects are proposed and built, local communities have the opportunity to proactively plan for the management of these facilities when they reach the end of their operational life.

"Planning for decommissioning is one of the most important steps communities can take when considering wind and solar development," said Cora Hoffer, senior policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs. "Clear local policies help ensure that project owners are responsible for removing equipment, restoring the site, and covering costs at the end of a project's life, rather than local governments or residents."

Wisconsin was an early leader in renewable energy policy, adopting a renewable portfolio standard in 1999 and later setting a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.

"With this growth comes the need for thoughtful local planning to help communities reap the benefits of renewable energy over the long term while protecting taxpayers and landowners," Hoffer said.

Wind energy projects typically have an operational life of 25 to 40 years, while solar projects generally operate for 25 to 35 years before considering repowering, reuse, or full decommissioning. In Wisconsin, wind energy projects are subject to statewide siting standards that include decommissioning requirements.

"However, solar has no similar state-level siting rules, making it especially important for local governments to clearly articulate their expectations for decommissioning, site restoration, recycling, and financial assurances," Hoffer said.

The fact sheet highlights tools such as joint development agreements and financial assurance mechanisms—including bonds, escrow accounts, deposits, and letters of credit—to help ensure that decommissioning costs are fully covered and not passed on to the county or residents.

This resource on decommissioning is designed to be brief, easy to understand, and user-friendly.

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