by Alex Beld | Jan 23, 2024 | Press Release, RENEW Wisconsin
January 22, 2024, Madison, Wis. — During its 13th annual Renewable Energy Summit, RENEW Wisconsin, with presenting sponsors Arch Solar and Invenergy, will honor those who made significant and lasting impacts on Wisconsin’s clean energy industry. The Summit will take place Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Monona Terrace in Madison.
RENEW’s 2024 Summit, titled “Unleashing the Power of Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Potential,” gathers industry experts, policymakers, innovators, and community leaders dedicated to accelerating the transition to clean energy sources. Featured speakers include Tonya Hicks, CEO of Power Solutions, Inc., and Robert Blake, Owner of Solar Bear and Executive Director of Native Sun Community Power Development.
The awards are grouped under three categories:
- Clean Energy Champion: Maria Drews, Co-owner – Drews Solar
- RENEW Member of the Year: Full Spectrum Solar – Madison WI
- Energy Reporting Excellence: Jana Rose Schleis, Enterprise and Investigative Reporter – The Cap Times
The ceremony will conclude with the 2023 Clean Energy Honor Roll, in which RENEW will recognize 13 clean energy projects in Wisconsin that recently commenced operation. Whether on the basis of their productivity, innovativeness, attention to detail, scale, resourcefulness, or efficacy in reducing carbon emissions, these projects showcase the skills and know-how Wisconsin stakeholders bring to the clean energy marketplace.
Clean Energy Honor Roll:
Alliant Energy Solar Portfolio, Dodge, Grant, Green, Jefferson, Rock, Sheboygan, and Waushara Counties
Eight solar PV power plants – 639 megawatts.
- Badger Hollow, Iowa County
The largest solar PV power plant in Wisconsin – 300 megawatts.
- Bayfield County, Bayfield County
Microgrid project that integrates solar PV, battery storage, and an existing backup diesel generator.
- City of Madison, Dane County
Nine (9) behind-the-meter solar PV installations – 585 kilowatts.
- College of Menominee Nation, Menominee County
Ground-mount solar PV array – 40 kilowatts.
- Holy Wisdom Monastery, Dane County
Net-zero project featuring onsite solar, with battery storage, and ground-source heat pumps.
- McFarland Public Safety Building, Dane County
Net-zero building featuring onsite solar and ground-source heat pumps.
- Red Barn Wind Energy Center, Grant County
Wind power plant – 91.6 megawatts.
- Sheboygan Senior Community, Sheboygan County
Ground-mounted solar array & battery – 198 kilowatts.
- SolarShare Wisconsin, Juneau County
Two cooperatively-owned solar arrays – 4.5 megawatts.
- UW-Health Eastpark Medical Center Garage, Dane County
Solar PV parking canopy – 1,032 kilowatts.
- UW-Parkside, Kenosha County
Ground-mounted solar PV array – 2.1 megawatts.
- Yahara Solar, Dane County
Largest solar array built for one customer – 17 megawatts.
The 13th Renewable Energy Summit will also feature an exposition hall with nearly 50 exhibitors, breakout sessions, and industry professionals discussing current and future opportunities for advancing clean energy in Wisconsin. Nearly 100 organizations have also voiced their support of renewable energy by sponsoring the summit. For more information on the 2024 Summit program agenda, speakers, sponsors, registration, or press passes, please email Alex Beld (abeld@renewwisconsin.org).
by Lauren Cohen | Nov 16, 2023 | Press Release, Solar, Solar for Good
More than $280,000 in cash awards and solar panel donations were awarded to 18 Wisconsin nonprofits as part of the 13th round of grant funding for Solar for Good. These awards will lead to the development of 1,600 kilowatts (kW) of solar electricity added to the Wisconsin electric mix and over $4.5 million in renewable energy investments.
Installing solar panels allows this diverse group of nonprofits to prioritize long-term fiscal responsibility, ensuring the sustainability of their institutions. St. Vincent de Paul will utilize their grant to install a 48.1-kW solar array on their new building, allowing them to redirect financial resources back into the core of their mission. West CAP, an organization committed to combatting poverty, will install a 29.76-kW solar array on its newest low-income housing initiative. This installation may potentially eradicate energy costs for their low-income residents.
“Through our poverty-fighting programs, we want to help prepare families for a world less dependent on fossil-fueled energy,” said Peter H. Kilde, West CAP Executive Director. “This funding will not only allow us to reduce carbon emissions and help our planet, but it will also ease the energy burden for low-income families so they can afford their housing for the long term. We appreciate the support from RENEW Wisconsin and the Couillard Foundation in helping nonprofit communities make this critical transition to solar.”
In the world of nonprofits, where financial resources are already stretched thin, the idea of adopting solar energy often feels out of reach due to the high upfront costs. Recognizing this financial obstacle, the Solar for Good program aims to alleviate a portion of that financial burden.
“While our grant does not cover the entire cost of a solar installation, nonprofits receiving our support find themselves in a stronger position to secure additional funding,” said Lauren Cohen, manager of the Solar for Good program. “A Solar for Good grant acts as a valuable leveraging point, opening doors to further support for their solar projects.”
Integrating solar power into St. Vincent de Paul’s operations is a logical step, considering their existing emphasis on sustainability. Operating seven thrift stores and a processing center, they divert thousands of pounds of goods from landfills each month, promoting a green solution for excess items and integrating solar energy to align with their sustainability initiatives.
“We’re grateful to receive a Solar for Good grant to support the cost of solar panels for our new building,” said Julie Bennett, CEO and Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Madison. “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is proud to increase our sustainable efforts in Dane County. Solar panels are a natural accompaniment to the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ effort that is fundamental to our seven St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores.”
Since its inception in 2017, Solar for Good has awarded grants to more than 200 Wisconsin nonprofits, resulting in over $16.7 million in clean energy investments across the state. These 18 organizations join a diverse community of nonprofits utilizing solar energy. Solar for Good is thrilled to contribute to their journeys towards enhanced energy efficiency and independence.
The following organizations have been offered Fall 2023 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:
Agrace Hospice Care – senior living, Madison
Art Intersection MKE – community service, Milwaukee
Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County – healthcare, Sheboygan
Catholic Ecology Center – education, Neosho
Hayward Sports Center and Community Park – recreation, Hayward
Immanuel Lutheran Church – religious, Viroqua
Little Turtles Playhouse – community service, Beloit
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design – education, Milwaukee
Monona United Methodist Church – religious, Monona
Ozaukee Nonprofit Center – community service, Grafton
Pittsville Fire Company – community service, Pittsville
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church – religious, Milwaukee
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – religious, Onalaska
Sugar Creek Lutheran Church – religious, Elkhorn
St. Vincent de Paul – community service, Madison
Stoughton United Methodist Church – religious, Stoughton
West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency – affordable housing, Clayton
*One organization has asked to remain anonymous at this time.
by Alex Beld | Nov 10, 2023 | Advocacy, Net Metering, Policy, Press Release, Public Service Commission, Utilities
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) unanimously voted to keep net metering for Wisconsin Power and Light (Alliant) customers yesterday. Last week, PSCW denied Madison Gas & Electric’s proposal to eliminate net metering. These two decisions create certainty for Wisconsin’s solar industry and customers.
Traditional net metering is currently the most important policy tool Wisconsin has to fairly compensate rooftop solar owners and incentivize future solar installations. This model supports Wisconsin’s thriving solar industry, offers good-paying jobs, and helps Wisconsin reach its decarbonization goals. When the time comes to transition away from net metering, collaboration between clean energy advocates and utilities will be essential to ensure that the transition is equitable and values each customer’s solar installation.
The revised version of the Power Partnership would have preserved key aspects of net metering while creating new benefits. The adjusted proposal offered a durable framework that recognized the value of each customer’s solar installation to Alliant’s infrastructure. Power Partnership limited the risk to installers, ensured a steady revenue stream to solar customers, and provided a solid growth path for solar and storage.
We stand behind our work with Alliant to create a viable solution for the solar industry. We believe there is a path forward for a collaborative effort to ensure the benefits of clean energy are shared throughout the state. And we are grateful for the successful advocacy work of other intervenors and clean energy advocates in defending net metering. We look forward to continuing our collective work to ensure the benefits of clean energy are shared throughout the state.
by Alex Beld | Nov 3, 2023 | Advocacy, Net Metering, Policy, Press Release, Public Service Commission, Utilities
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) delivered a unanimous decision on Friday to keep net metering in the Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) territory. This action is a win, not just for MGE customers but for all of Wisconsin.
“It almost felt as though it was a half-hearted proposal, and so I didn’t feel like there was enough information to support authorizing it [MGE’s proposed net metering change],” said PSCW Chairperson Rebecca Valq. “… for Wisconsin to have a consistent approach to net metering, I would not approve this proposal.”
There was overwhelming support to keep net metering in MGE’s service territory. There were 500 members of the public and 14 intervenors, including RENEW, who opposed MGE’s proposed net metering changes. This collective effort played a vital role in ensuring rooftop solar will remain financially viable for MGE solar customers.
This decision from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin represents a major win for rooftop solar and the solar industry in Wisconsin. Net metering is fundamental in ensuring that rooftop solar owners are properly incentivized and compensated for their energy generation. We look forward to working with other utilities to ensure residential rooftop solar and large-scale renewable projects remain viable tools for meeting Wisconsin’s decarbonization goals.
Net metering has a direct impact on the local economy. The installation, maintenance, and servicing of rooftop solar systems creates employment opportunities, providing long-term benefits for Wisconsin communities and businesses. RENEW is celebrating the decision made by the PSCW today to ensure equitable access to solar for all Wisconsin families and create certainty for local solar installers.
The collective efforts of our members, partners, and the general public were crucial in the effort to protect net metering. Thank you to everyone who made their voices heard in the MGE rate case. We look forward to hearing from the PSCW again later this November when they deliver their decision for the Alliant Energy rate case.
by Lauren Cohen | Sep 8, 2023 | MadiSUN, Press Release, Solar, Sustainable Business
Madison-based businesses and nonprofits have a unique opportunity to embrace the power of clean energy while easing financial burdens through MadiSUN’s Solar for Business and Backyard Solar Grant programs. The deadline to apply for the Backyard Solar Grant is October 1, 2023. Businesses have until December 31, 2023.
MadiSUN’s Solar for Business and Backyard Solar Grant programs, administered by RENEW Wisconsin, align with the City of Madison’s commitment to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050. Collectively, the programs have $75,000 in grants available for Madison-based businesses and nonprofits to utilize. Businesses can receive up to $10,000. Nonprofit organizations and affordable housing providers can receive up to $20,000.
“Solar power isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint; it’s a smart economic choice,” said Lauren Cohen, Program Coordinator of the MadiSUN programs. “With our Solar for Business and Backyard Solar Grant programs, we’re not only helping Madison’s businesses and nonprofits adopt clean energy but also reducing their financial loads.”
Adopting solar has become a strategic move for businesses and nonprofits alike as the cost of solar drops. Transitioning to solar becomes even more affordable when organizations pair the Inflation Reduction Act’s 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit and the grants through MadiSUN.
“The MadiSUN Backyard Solar grant helped make our solar array much more affordable,” said Gabrielle Hinahara, Board Member at the Madison Area Cooperative Housing Alliance and Backyard Solar Grant Recipient. “Our solar array is set to provide 97% of the electricity needs for our 11-person house, which contributes to long-term affordability for our residents.”
As the deadline approaches, organizations are encouraged to seize this opportunity to go solar, reduce upfront costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Interested applicants should reach out to MadiSUN@renewwisconsin.org.
by Lauren Cohen | Apr 24, 2023 | Press Release, Solar, Solar for Good
On Thursday, April 20, Curative Connections held a ceremony dedicated to their new 280-kilowatt solar array. Curative Connections aims to help people reach their goals for independence by providing essential services to older adults and those with disabilities.
This solar system was installed by Eland Electric and is projected to offset 42-46% of the organization’s electricity usage. “We had a great experience with this project, from design and engineering all the way to commissioning,” said Jesse Michalski, Project Manager at Eland Electric. “This project was a little unique in that we had limited space and were trying to maximize the energy output of a solar array, and through the use of bi-facial modules, we were able to achieve a design that fits the customer’s goals.”
The economic implications of this array for Curative Connections are wide-reaching. The newly installed solar array is projected to bring the organization $50,000 of annual savings. “As a nonprofit, this is critical as we can now redirect these savings to support for our programs and the thousands of members
we serve each year,” said Jeanne Stangel, President and CEO of Curative Connections.
This solar installation is momentous as the organization celebrates an impressive milestone. “Curative Connections is proud to cut the ribbon on our solar project as it shines light upon another reason to celebrate our 75th anniversary year,” continued Stangel.
The project was funded largely by a $125,000 Office of Energy Innovation grant and financial support from Focus on Energy. Curative Connections also received a $10,000 grant from Solar for Good, a RENEW Wisconsin program run in partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation.
“This solar project is a testament to the power of partnership between mission-driven nonprofits and clean energy advocates,” said Lauren Cohen, Program Coordinator with RENEW Wisconsin. “Solar for Good’s success is a direct result of organizations like Curative Connections leading the way towards a more sustainable future for Wisconsin and beyond.”
In addition to their grant funding, Curative Connections worked with Legacy Solar Cooperative to partner with a tax sponsor to take advantage of tax credits, which were not yet available to nonprofit organizations at the time of installation.
“We are grateful for the support we received from foundations, federal and state grants, and community partners,” continued Stangel. “This is a collaborative effort of a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.”
With 75 years of serving the public under their belt, the money saved from this solar installation will allow Curative Connections to continue its mission to ensure that everyone receives the care they deserve. This project demonstrates the organization’s commitment to this mission and the environment, which others can look to and hopefully be inspired to embark on a similar path.
