GOP bill would establish community solar program; utilities strongly opposed The bill would require utilities to purchase energy produced by community solar programs within their territories and credit subscribers for that energy. Written By: Chris Hubbuch / The Wisconsin State Journal | 7:30 pm, Jul. 13, 2021 × Solar panels (Getty Images) Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to allow Wisconsin consumers to get electricity from independent solar plants. The bill, authored by Sen. Duey Stroebel of Saukville and Rep. Timothy Ramthun of Campbellsport, would require utilities to purchase energy produced by community solar programs within their territories and credit subscribers for that energy. Community solar is an increasingly popular concept that allows ratepayers to buy shares in solar farms and sell the energy produced to the utility.