Half Moon Ventures (HMV) has begun a standalone utility-scale solar energy project in Jefferson, Wis. S&C Electric Co. is performing engineering, procurement and construction services. Green Earth Developers LLC is providing preliminary engineering and construction management services.

HMV says the 1 MW photovoltaic project will be the state's first solar energy facility that directly connects to the power grid, and it will help meet Wisconsin's renewable portfolio standard goal of 10% of energy production by 2015. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Once online, the solar facility is expected to generate more than 1.5 GWh of electricity per year.

WPPI Energy has agreed to purchase output from the project. The wholesale power supplier serves Jefferson Utilities, the community's municipally owned utility, as well as 50 other locally owned, not-for-profit utilities in Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa.