St Vincent de Paul’s Solar-Powered Future

St Vincent de Paul’s Solar-Powered Future

by | Oct 4, 2024 | MadiSUN, Solar, Solar for Good

On October 1, 2024, St. Vincent de Paul welcomed community members, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, the Couillard Solar Foundation, and RENEW Wisconsin to join in celebration of the Grand Re-opening of the Williamson Street location after the completion of their renovation. The grand re-opening showcased a refreshed retail space, a mural showcasing the history of the Williamson Street location, and a brand new 48.1-kilowatt solar system. This occasion not only marked a fresh start for St. Vincent de Paul but renewed their commitment to serving the greater Madison community through social services and environmental stewardship.

Since 1941, St. Vincent de Paul’s Williamson Street location has played a crucial role in supporting the greater Madison community by providing essential services including food, clothing, furniture, and medicine. The dedicated team has worked tirelessly to ensure that families have access to these resources, making a significant impact in many lives. Last year alone, over 3,500 families received assistance from St. Vincent de Paul.

The generous donations from the Couillard Solar Foundation’s Solar for Good grant and the City of Madison’s MadiSUN Backyard grant allow St. Vincent de Paul to save on utility expenses, contributing to a bright future for the team and the communities they serve. Their new solar array is set to generate 59,600 kWh of renewable energy each year, offsetting their utility expenses by 57 percent. These savings enable their team to focus more resources on providing and expanding social services.

The solar system, situated on the rooftop of the Social Services Suite, powers essential programs that support single adults and families in securing financial stability. These programs help community members maintain financial stability and prevent future homelessness. Additionally, the organization’s microlending programs offer assistance to people facing emergencies and provide a safety net to those in need.

Sustainability is deeply integrated throughout many aspects of the organization’s operations. By offering second-hand shopping experiences, St. Vincent de Paul not only makes vital resources accessible and affordable but also contributes to reducing waste and decreasing demand for new products. Community members who donate these goods play a crucial role in these sustainability efforts, allowing for clothes, furniture, and household items to be reused instead of ending up in landfills. The recent installation of solar panels through the Solar for Good and MadiSUN Backyard grants further exemplifies St. Vincent de Paul’s commitment to building a healthy and resilient community.

By embracing renewable energy, St. Vincent de Paul Williamson Street demonstrates a shining example of providing service to communities effectively while also prioritizing environmental responsibility. The grand re-opening gathered supporters, community leaders, and those who believe in their mission to celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a bright future that reinforces their devotion to uplift and support the Madison community.

Clean Energy Works: Joey Cheng, manager of system planning, ATC

Clean Energy Works: Joey Cheng, manager of system planning, ATC

by | Sep 18, 2024 | Clean Energy Works, Jobs

For the past eight years, Joey Cheng has worked for ATC, a Wisconsin-based, regulated utility that moves energy along the electric power grid in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. In her position, Cheng and her team assess the present and future needs of the electrical grid. They use electrical system models to analyze grid performance, develop network solutions, and determine the best value plan for interconnecting load and generation to ATC’s system.

Cheng has spent over 20 years working in the power industry. She has held various roles at ATC, including transmission planning engineer and team lead of substation services. She is currently the manager of system planning. Before starting her career in the power industry, Cheng studied at the National Taiwan Ocean University, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. She continued her studies and earned a Master of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Science in management from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

“When I started my career, the electric industry was still heavily reliant on fossil fuels as the main electrical generation resource. But for the last several years, we’ve seen a transition to more renewable energy sources due to public policy changes and concerns over climate change. We are also seeing economic growth in our region that will require more energy and increase the load on our system.”

The electric power you use every day flows through a three-part system – generation, transmission, and distribution. Power plants, solar fields, wind farms, and other sources generate electricity that flows through high-voltage transmission power lines over long distances to substations where the voltage is lowered. The power then flows over smaller, local wires known as distribution lines to homes and businesses. The high-voltage power lines are like interstate highways and are a cornerstone of our nation’s electric power system.

Cheng explains that the transition from traditional generation sources (like coal) to renewable energy generation (like solar and wind) brings new needs and challenges to grid planning. She views this with excitement — a new challenge means a new opportunity. How the grid is built today helps ensure reliable energy for tomorrow.

“It’s like a puzzle, and because the issues are new, sometimes we don’t have all the pieces yet,” Cheng said, “But it’s the collaboration of other colleagues, our utility customers, and others in the industry that make it possible for us to interconnect new load and generation sources and strengthen the grid during this time. We can’t rely on just one person; it’s everybody having to contribute and collaborate.” Cheng shared that the collaborative culture at ATC is one of the reasons her team can keep up with the industry demand and remain flexible while planning.

Work like Cheng’s can help Wisconsin to better utilize current renewable energy resources by reducing electric grid constraints and keeping the power flowing. Currently, wind farms in eastern Iowa and southwest Wisconsin are not fully utilized. With more renewable energy projects coming online over the next decade, this challenge may continue unless electric grid infrastructure is expanded in the Upper Midwest, something that is necessary to support RENEW’s mission to advance renewable energy in Wisconsin.

And although electric grid system planning may not have the same public visibility as the release of a new cell phone, ATC’s behind-the-scenes work supports everyday life and is critical to society. While a phone connects us to the world around us, the electric grid powers our communities and keeps lights on in Wisconsin homes and businesses. Each ATC office is also involved in their local community. Cheng has been active in her community by participating in the De Pere Chamber of Commerce’s Art in the Park and cleanup of the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary in Green Bay.

When Cheng thinks about system planning for the electric grid, she feels very motivated, explaining that ATC has provided her with various leadership and engineering opportunities to learn and grow alongside the industry. She says the technical work is challenging and intriguing at the same time, and the support and collaboration with her colleagues make the experience rewarding.

“Because the industry is changing, the environment is evolving. It’s important to keep up with the latest standards, the latest technology, and the latest trends in the industry. That’s what we’re trying to do at ATC in order to provide a safe and reliable pathway for power.”

When she isn’t working, Cheng loves reading, exercising, and traveling with her family. To her, work-life balance is essential.

“We all have very challenging work that requires a lot of focus and energy. As a manager, I make it a point to lead by example and take time to relax and recharge. I encourage my team to do the same. Work is important, but so is having a fulfilling life outside of work.”

Wisconsin Municipalities Secure Additional EV Charging Infrastructure Funds

Wisconsin Municipalities Secure Additional EV Charging Infrastructure Funds

by | Sep 4, 2024 | Electric Vehicles, Local Government

On August 27, the City of Milwaukee and Dane County learned that their Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program applications were approved. This funding will provide $14.9 million to support the installation of 53 new charging sites for the City of Milwaukee and $13.2 million to build 92 new charging sites for Dane County.

This funding is unrelated to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program but complements the NEVI funds that Wisconsin DOT has to install EV charging on major highways. In total, we can expect just shy of 200 chargers across the state thanks to these complementary funding sources.

This grant application process is a great example of collaboration across many disciplines and backgrounds in the energy sector. Local governments, utilities, and clean energy advocates like RENEW Wisconsin all contributed to this effort. It illustrates the invaluable work that can be accomplished when we collaborate on clean energy and technology projects.

While the projects are still in the early stages of development, the aim is to install and support EV charging where it usually wouldn’t occur. These areas will likely be low to moderate-income communities or near multi-family dwellings, specifically those that don’t have access to garage parking. In Dane County, we can also expect to see charging stations installed in suburban and rural areas.

It is wonderful to see communities and local governments step up in big ways in Wisconsin to support equitable and beneficial electrification.

The Sun Shines on a New School Year

The Sun Shines on a New School Year

by | Aug 28, 2024 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Sunday, August 25, Blessed Sacrament Congregation and School joined in celebrating the upcoming school year and special addition of its new solar array. Their centennial anniversary marked a new beginning for the congregation in its transition to clean energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Through Solar for Good and an ongoing capital fundraising campaign supported by church members, Blessed Sacrament installed solar that is projected to reduce utility expenses by 12 percent, allowing for financial resources to be further allocated towards ministry, and community service including hunger relief efforts.  

Blessed Sacrament Congregation and School welcomes nearly 300 students annually to provide them with an education that aligns with the pillars of community, study, prayer, and ministry. Its impact extends beyond the students and congregation by servicing the community through hunger relief programs, supporting seniors with home maintenance assistance, and hosting discussions on environmental topics. As part of the congregation’s faith, caring for the planet is ingrained in its mission, education, and ministry. To amplify positive environmental impact and maximize financial resources, Blessed Sacrament initiated efforts to reduce energy consumption by turning to solar. 

In its application for the Solar for Good project, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and School articulated its motivation for installing solar panels. “The Earth is not just an accident of the cosmos but rather a gift of inestimable worth. We are called to respond to this gift by honoring the Earth and caring for it,” said Parish Operations Manager, Donna Roeck.

Through support from the congregation and dedicated team, the church worked with Full Spectrum Solar to install 37 panels on the roof of the school. Of the 37 panels, 18 were donations from Solar for Good. This renewable energy source will directly benefit the congregation and students through a clean energy transition. The church has also inspired congregation members to seek out renewable energy opportunities for their own homes through programs such as MadiSUN and Focus on Energy. 

Karen O’Connor, who was part of this solar panel project, shared, “We are working so that Catholic churches and schools can reap the full benefit of the renewable energy programs. We are grateful to RENEW Wisconsin, Solar for Good, and the Couilliard Solar Foundation for helping churches and schools like ours save money and reduce our environmental impact.”

The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church’s solar installation demonstrates the congregation’s dedication to caring for the planet through environmental stewardship. Going solar is the first major step the parish intends to complete over the next few years, and have plans to increase its facilities’ clean energy impact. Blessed Sacrament’s efforts to conserve energy and educate the community serve as an example of how future organizations can further serve their communities, save money, and contribute to positive environmental change by going solar.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Welcomes Congregation to Celebrate New Solar Array

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Welcomes Congregation to Celebrate New Solar Array

by | Aug 23, 2024 | Solar, Solar for Good

St. Paul’s Lutheran church welcomed hundreds of church members on Sunday, August 18 to celebrate the expansion of its facilities and addition of a 114.48 kilowatt (kW) DC system on the roof of its new gymnasium. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church serves the Onalaska community by connecting people to their faith to learn about forgiveness, love, and hope. This initiative to transition to renewable energy emphasizes the church’s commitment to becoming a more sustainable place for the community. 

Since 1888, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has been a pillar of the Coulee Region community by providing a place of worship. As the congregation expanded, they relocated in the town and later built a small school to begin serving students in 1974.  Today, St Paul’s Lutheran Church educates over 270 students. With a growing congregation and class sizes, they recognized the need to balance the expansion of new facilities and reducing energy costs. By reducing costs that go toward electrical bills, the church can focus its efforts on worship, continued after-school activities, and resources for education. 

Solar Connection installed 212 bifacial panels on the roof of the new gymnasium where future extracurricular activities and tournaments will be held. The system is expected to offset 65% of the church’s energy usage, producing approximately 135,000 kWh per year. This allows St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to redistribute energy savings by amplifying resources and education to the students they serve. In addition to educating the community about its updated facilities, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church will be able to share the benefits of solar with students through a digital monitor so visitors and students can continue to learn about solar energy.

Through the generous donations of the congregation and grant funding, this project was able to come to fruition, allowing St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to continue its work in educating future leaders of the community. With the church in operation for nearly 70 years, the solar initiative makes significant strides in achieving clean infrastructure for current and future members. By making the transition to solar, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has made significant advancements in healing the earth through sustainable clean energy.

Clean Energy Legislative Update • August 2024

Clean Energy Legislative Update • August 2024

by | Aug 22, 2024 | Advocacy, Legislative Watchlist, Local Government

Voters turned out at levels not seen in 60 years for this year’s primary to make their voices heard on several important statewide issues! News sources report that the turnout was over 25 percent with numbers in Dane County and the City of Madison, reaching nearly 30 percent. According to the Waukesha Freeman, the WOW counties had a 40 percent turnout.

Referendum Questions

In past blogs, I covered the proposed changes to the Wisconsin Constitution, shifting how federal dollars are spent in the state and giving the legislature more control. The results show almost 60% of the voters statewide rejected the amendments. As a result, the Governor will continue to have the authority to act on behalf of the state when it comes to emergency funding and other unallocated federal dollars.

This is a significant victory for those who opposed the changes, such as the Wisconsin Conservation Voters, and the Democratic legislators, who argued that the legislature would be unpredictable and slow to respond during a crisis, delaying critical funding.

Republican legislators and groups supporting the amendments such as the Badger Institute and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, claimed the changes were necessary to provide checks and balances to the Governor’s power.

Referendums historically passed 2/3 of the time. The rejection this time shows the power of the voters and is indicative of the tremendous effort put forward by the groups fighting them.

Primaries Under New Maps

As voters navigated the new districts, the results showed some incumbent losses — inevitable when two legislators were drawn into one district. We also saw many new faces claim victories for the numerous open seats created by the new maps.

Though we don’t yet know the full impact of the new maps. Results so far have been mostly positive for incumbent candidates.

State Senate

In the Milwaukee area, two state representatives vied for the open seat of Senate District 4, where Dora Drake (D-Milwaukee) prevailed over Lakeshia Myers. Drake will face no opposition in November, securing the seat for her.

In the Madison area, in the open seat for Senate District 16 vacated by Melissa Agard who is running for Dane County Executive, another Melissa beat out two other state representatives to win the primary. Melissa Ratcliff (D – Cottage Grove) won over Reps. Baldeh and J. Anderson without an opponent in November, she has secured the senate seat.

State Assembly

The Energy & Utilities Committee Chairman, Rep. Dave Steffen (R- Green Bay) survived a primary challenge. While another nearby incumbent, Republican Peter Schmidt (R-Shawano) lost to Rep. Elijah Behnke from Oconto in a new district.

Congressional Primary Wins

In the 3rd Congressional District, Rebecca Cook came out on top in the three-way Democratic primary. Cook will face Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden in November.

In the 8th Congressional District, Tony Wied won his own three-way primary on the Republican ticket. He will face Democrat Kristin Lyerly in November.

The remainder of the candidates running in their respective congressional districts were not primaried.

The general election is slated for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. With plenty of time to get to know all the candidates and make your vote count.

Harnessing Solar for Coulee Region Humane Society’s Critters

Harnessing Solar for Coulee Region Humane Society’s Critters

by | Aug 22, 2024 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Thursday, August 15, Coulee Region Humane Society (CRHS) celebrated the expansion of their animal shelter and the addition of 240 ground-mounted bifacial solar panels. CRHS is based out of Onalaska, centered in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin. Having reliable and sustainable sources is instrumental to being able to provide energy for veterinary services and day-to-day care for animals. 

CRHS’ vision of acting as a regional leader in enhancing the well-being of wildlife and adoptable pets makes their transition to solar energy a demonstration of the shelter’s commitment to providing the best services for the animals they care for. Their impact extends beyond animals within their immediate care to the Onalaska community.

In addition to providing housing for homeless animals, the humane society also offers dog training programs, and reduced fees for veterinary services to increase accessibility to veterinary care, and wildlife rehabilitation. If you ever find yourself at the humane society, you may also meet Flower, their de-scented skunk who helps with educational programming for youth!

To be able to focus the organization’s resources on animals, CRHS turned to solar technology. The nonprofit requires a significant amount of energy to ensure that all animals within their care receive optimal shelter by cleaning the laundry daily. In 2023 alone, over 2,000 domestic animals came into their care. The savings from their solar array will reduce operational costs and allow their team to prioritize funding to the core of their mission in serving animals that enter their doors. 

CRHS’ new 129.6 kilowatt (kW) solar array, installed by Solar Connections, is expected to cover 80-85% of their annual electrical needs. While their focus is on animals, the humane society strives to make a greater positive impact on the Onalaska community and environment.

With the completion of their solar array, CRHS joins over 200 mission-based nonprofits in Wisconsin that have also decided to turn to clean energy sources with the support of Solar for Good. Through collective impact, these organizations demonstrate leadership in Wisconsin’s transition to renewable energy, creating a sustainable future for all.

Wisconsin HOMES Rebate

Wisconsin HOMES Rebate

by | Aug 9, 2024 | Home, Inflation Reduction Act, Local Government

With the launch of the Home Efficiency (HOMES) rebate program, Wisconsin is the first state in the country to begin utilizing IRA funds to help homeowners increase the energy efficiency of their homes. Focus on Energy launched the program in August 2024. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency in a more accessible and cost-effective way.

How to Get a HOMES Rebate

The goal of the HOMES rebate is to help people improve the efficiency of their homes. One of the first steps in home electrification and energy efficiency is to evaluate the efficiency of your house to better understand where homes are losing energy, whether through leaky windows, poor insulation, or outdated appliances. Since every person consumes energy differently, getting an energy assessment is a crucial first step to understanding your specific situation and in qualifying for a rebate.

HOMES will offer rebates for whole-home energy projects, such as improving insulation, and heating and cooling equipment. Participants can save anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 on a project, depending on income, whether they live in a single-family or multi-family home, and how much energy they expect to save.

While renters are not eligible to receive a HOMES rebate, you can encourage your landlord or building owner to participate in the program.

*Table from Focus on Energy

The rebate also has a retroactive aspect. Home Efficiency Rebate projects that started on or after August 16, 2022, are eligible for rebates if they meet specific criteria. To qualify for retroactive HOMES program rebates, projects must comply with all final federal and state program requirements.

Reducing Energy Burden

These rebates offer a crucial first step for many Wisconsinites to become more energy efficient and reduce their energy burden in the process. Energy burden is defined as the percentage of a household’s income that is spent on energy costs, such as electricity, heating, and transportation. According to the American Council for an Energy Efficiency Economy, the average energy burden for Wisconsin is 2 percent, but some low-income households face energy burdens as high as 9 percent. These rebates are a great first step in ensuring more Wisconsinites see their energy burden reduced to a manageable level.

A Cleaner, Healthier Wisconsin

This effort will also help lower emissions from our residential sector. The residential sector is responsible for 8 percent of Wisconsin’s greenhouse gas emissions. In Madison, homes contribute 19.8 percent to the city’s overall emissions. In Milwaukee County, residential energy use made up 25 percent of the county’s total emissions as recently as 2018. By making our air cleaner we not only combat the impacts of climate change, but also collectively benefit associated from fewer days of school and work missed due to illness, less frequent hospital visits, and can lower the localized number of respiratory illnesses.

The rebates also provide a welcome injection into local economies by increasing demand for energy-efficient products and services, which will support new jobs in the energy-efficiency sector. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy projects that these programs will help families nationwide save around $1 billion each year and create 50,000 jobs within the country.

Empowering Tribal Nations: The Shift to Clean Energy

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Advocacy, Community, Community Solar, Electrification, Energy Storage, Health, Home, Inflation Reduction Act, Local Initiatives, RENEW Wisconsin, Renewables, Sustainability

The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is committed to preserving their environment and fostering sustainable growth. In the face of a rapidly changing climate, investing in clean energy isn’t just about harnessing the power of the sun and wind—it’s about empowering their community, protecting their sacred lands, and ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come. With increased clean energy funding opportunities, such as those provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is creating new opportunities, enhancing economic resilience, and supporting the Tribe’s cultural values.

Special thanks to Isaiah Ness (Sun Bear Industries) and Zoar Fulwilder (Mavid Construction Services) for their work to advance clean energy in Tribal communities and for inviting RENEW to witness the transformation.

Stoughton United Methodist Church Celebrates New Solar Array

Stoughton United Methodist Church Celebrates New Solar Array

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Sunday, June 23, Stoughton United Methodist Church held a solar dedication event to celebrate their new solar array, which will cover 92% of the building’s annual energy use and offset 87% of the church’s annual electric costs. As a faith-based institution committed to welcoming all and building loving relationships that serve God, the church offers numerous community programs, including a food pantry, support for Ukrainian refugees, and programs for older adults. These initiatives reflect their mission to be good stewards of their resources.

To maximize these resources and amplify their impact, Stoughton United Methodist Church turned to solar to reduce operational costs and strengthen financial sustainability. The savings from their new solar array will allow the church to reallocate funds into other essential missions and ministries, furthering their positive impact on the community. By installing solar panels, the church also aspires to lead by example for its neighbors, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship and the well-being of future generations.

“Like so many in the faith community, our church is always looking for opportunities to better utilize limited resources,” said Lisa Urban, board chair at Stoughton United Methodist Church. “The installation of a solar array – and the cost savings it’s expected to generate – will play an important role in keeping us financially viable for years to come.”

The church’s new 24.42 kilowatt (kW) solar array, installed by Synergy Renewable Energy Systems, is set to produce approximately 32,632 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. The influence of neighbors installing a solar array of this size is significant, and Stoughton United Methodist Church exemplifies this idea. As the second church in Stoughton to install solar, they were inspired by their colleagues’ commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and hope to create a ripple effect, motivating others to follow suit.

The completion of Stoughton United Methodist Church’s solar project marks a major milestone in its journey towards sustainability and financial resilience. By embracing renewable energy, they are not only securing their future but also contributing to the broader mission of environmental stewardship and community betterment.

With the completion of its solar array, Stoughton United Methodist Church joins a community of over 200 nonprofits in Wisconsin who have made the same decision with the support of Solar for Good. Together, strides are being made towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.