RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good program helped Casa Esther install rooftop solar at its Omro building. The solar array, powered by a $5,000 grant, is expected to reduce the nonprofit’s electricity costs by about $1,100 a year—savings it plans to put toward neighbors’ basic needs.
Casa Esther began in 2008 to support immigrant families new to the Omro area. Today, it serves people across Winnebago County. In 2025, the nonprofit provided more than $62,000 in rental assistance to over 210 households.
Casa Esther also helps neighbors with utility bills and provides gas and grocery cards. Its gardens contribute about 20 pounds of fresh food to local food pantries each week.
Starting in 2027, Casa Esther plans to direct its electricity savings toward its basic-needs budget. Lower power bills for the nonprofit can mean more support for a neighbor trying to pay rent or keep the lights on at home.
RENEW Wisconsin member installer Appleton Solar installed the 4.6-kilowatt rooftop system at Casa Esther’s building at 320 N. Webster Ave. The panels are expected to produce about 6,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.
The project also reflects Casa Esther’s commitment to caring for the planet. “Part of our mission is to work to preserve a sustainable planet for all. Making a strong commitment to utilizing renewable energy sources is one way we can fulfill that piece of our mission,” said Executive Director Sara Kosmicki.
One of Kosmicki’s favorite moments was welcoming Gov. Tony Evers to see the new panels. “It was really exciting for a small non-profit like us to have the Governor visit and to have an opportunity to show off the new panels, as well as share more about who we are and the work we do,” she said.
Solar for Good helps Wisconsin nonprofits install solar so they can direct more of their budgets toward their work.