Charter Steel, Wisconsin’s largest industrial energy consumer, has collaborated with SunVest Solar to launch a 19.5-megawatt behind-the-meter solar installation at its Saukville facility. Comprising nearly 30,000 solar modules, the project is a step forward in industrial energy transition. This commercial solar installation will yield significant energy cost savings and bolster Charter Manufacturing’s commitment to sustainability in steel manufacturing.
This large-scale project highlights the growing role of distributed generation in Wisconsin’s renewable energy economy. Demonstrating the feasibility of industrial renewable energy solutions, it underscores the state’s leadership in clean energy adoption. SunVest Solar, known for its development of over 300 megawatts of distributed generation projects in the past five years, is helping to shape the Midwest’s energy future. With a development pipeline surpassing two gigawatts, the company continues to drive the region’s clean energy transition.
For Charter Manufacturing, an 87-year-old family-owned metals producer with more than 2,300 employees, the project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to clean energy manufacturing. The solar installation provides a clear pathway toward reducing carbon emissions while enhancing long-term operational efficiency. By generating renewable electricity on-site, Charter Steel stabilizes its energy costs, helping to future-proof its business against energy price volatility.
The deployment of behind-the-meter solar at such a large scale also reinforces the economic benefits of renewable energy adoption in heavy industry. Charter Steel’s commitment to sustainability showcases how industrial operations can embrace clean energy while maintaining profitability and environmental stewardship. This project sets a new benchmark for industrial sustainability in Wisconsin and beyond.
