Foxconn and WEC Energy are discussing a huge potential solar array for Mount Pleasant complex

Rick Romell | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Foxconn Technology Group and Wisconsin’s largest utility are discussing the potential for what could be a huge array of solar panels atop Foxconn’s massive factory complex in Racine County.

A glimpse into the ongoing talks emerged this week as Gale Klappa, chairman and CEO of WEC Energy Group, spoke during a conference call with analyst Shar Pourreza, of Guggenheim Partners.

Pourreza referred to previous discussions about “the potential for rooftop solar in the 100 to 150 megawatt range” and whether that was technically feasible, and he asked Klappa to provide any update on the possibility.

Complimenting Pourreza on his “great memory,” Klappa said WEC is “still in active discussions with Foxconn about the configuration of their electric service, the basic elements of their rates and whether or not there’s any opportunity for solar.”

Later, responding to another question, Klappa said that either Foxconn or WEC could build any solar array that might be installed at the site.

“Everything’s on the table, and we’re looking to how this best works for both parties,” Klappa said.

If such a solar installation were to be built, it would be by far the largest in Wisconsin. Currently No. 1 is the array at the new Ikea store in Oak Creek — 4,716 panels generating 1.6 megawatts.

RELATED: Solar panels help power new Ikea store in Oak Creek

The possible array discussed for Foxconn would generate 60 to 90 times as much power. It also would cover a significant part of the company’s energy needs.

Foxconn is expected to have initial electric demand of 200 megawatts — easily the largest electric load in the state. The company’s demand is expected to be six times greater than that of the next-largest manufacturing plant, according to American Transmission Co., which will feed power to Foxconn.

Another comparison: The power expected to be drawn initially by Foxconn plus its nearby suppliers is similar to the total power used in downtown Madison, ATC said in a regulatory filing.

ATC, which is owned by Wisconsin utilities, operates an electric transmission system. Last week, the State Public Service Commission approved the company’s $117 million plan to build new transmission lines and a substation to serve Foxconn.

RELATED: Regulators approve $117 million power line for Foxconn campus in Mount Pleasant

FULL COVERAGE: Foxconn updates

WEC spokeswoman Cathy Schulze said Klappa was not available to speak further on the potential for solar at the $10 billion, 22-million-square-foot manufacturing campus Foxconn plans to build in Mount Pleasant. Site preparation work has been underway since early May, and Foxconn expects to begin construction of its first building this month.

“We are still in the exploratory stage with Foxconn as to how their electric service will be configured, so we don’t have any other details to share at this point,” Schulze said by email.

But Pourreza, in an interview, said he sees a better-than-even chance Foxconn will opt for self-generated electrical capacity.

"I think the odds ... are pretty solid," Pourreza said.

He said solar "is becoming highly economical," and offers public perception advantages as well because it is considered "socially responsible and, environmentally, seen as the right thing to do."

A Foxconn spokesman did not respond to inquiries on the subject.