Solar Archives - RENEW Wisconsin

Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Akron Solar

by Alex Beld | Dec 9, 2025 | Action Alert, Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

Public comments are open now through December 12 for Akron Solar, a 200 Megawatt (MW) solar project. If approved, the solar project will be located in Adams and Wood Counties and is planned for completion in the latter half of 2029. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!

You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message.

Akron Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 200 MW facility in Adams and Wood Counties has many benefits:

Economic Growth: According to a report by Strategic Economic Research, Akron Solar will create more than 450 jobs during construction, as well as more than 14 good-paying, long-term positions in Adams and Wood Counties.
Community Benefits: Once in service, Akron Solar will contribute more than $1,000,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $566,000 of this will go to the counties, while the remaining $433,33 will go to the towns of Rome and Saratoga. During its 25-year life, the project will contribute a total of at least $25million in utility-aid payments.
Emissions Reductions: Akron Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 650 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 64,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits. Wisconsin can expect more than $1.4 million in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Akron Solar’s first year of operations alone.

Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Akron Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.

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Porchlight Solar Approved by PSC

by Alex Beld | Dec 4, 2025 | Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved Porchlight Solar, a 163.8 Megawatt (MW) solar project paired with a 50 MW battery in Portage County. In their verbal decision, PSC commissioners noted that the team behind the project made a good effort to work with community members on this project. The commission also noted the many positive comments that came through in support of this project, including RENEW’s. If you submitted a comment in support of this project, thank you for helping us get this project across the finish line!

Porchlight Solar is another exciting step forward as we work to meet our clean energy goals. Wisconsin has now reached a point where we have 2089 MW of solar in operation, 3738 MW approved and in the development phase, and more than 1,600 MW of solar seeking approval from the PSC. Altogether, we’re hopeful that we’ll have nearly 7,500 MW of solar online across Wisconsin in the near future. Together, we can keep this momentum going.

Porchlight Solar’s Benefits Go Beyond Clean Energy:

Economic Growth: Porchlight Solar will create between 200 to 300 jobs during construction, as well as good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions.

Community Benefits: Once in service, Porchlight Solar will contribute more than $800,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $460,000 of this will go to Portage County, $273,000 will go to the town of Buena Vista, and just over $80,000 will go to the town of Pine Grove. During its 30-year life, the project will contribute a total of $24.4 million in utility-aid payments. In other municipalities, funds like these have gone toward roads, municipal buildings, and first responder resources.

Landowner Engagement: Porchlight Solar has signed land leases with farmers who produce potatoes, corn, and soybeans, according to the application from the developer. When farmers and landowners sign 25-plus-year leases to host solar projects like Porchlight, they are able to rely on long-term, stable revenue.

Emissions Reductions: Porchlight Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 530 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 53,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits.

Holy Spirit Parish and School Celebrates New Solar Array

by Ben Behlke | Nov 20, 2025 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point welcomed parishioners, families, students, and community members for a ribbon-cutting celebration marking the completion of two new solar arrays. The event highlighted the parish’s commitment to caring for creation and investing in the future of its congregation and school.

The project was supported through the Solar for Good program, funded by the Couillard Solar Foundation and managed by RENEW Wisconsin. Olson Solar Energy served as the installer and guided the parish through the technical, insurance, and design steps needed to bring the project forward.

Guided by Faith and Stewardship

The idea for the solar project began within Holy Spirit Parish’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. Their members shared that a central belief guided them through each stage of planning and conversations with parish leadership.

“Faith calls us to be stewards of the land, and that means the planet is part of what we are called to care for.”

This perspective shaped the committee’s vision and helped carry the parish through a process that required patience and collaboration. Insurance reviews and utility requirements brought several design changes, and the team worked closely with Olson Solar Energy to adapt and keep the project moving.

Collaboration and Commitment

“This really was the work of so many people. It took time, effort, and a lot of expertise from members of our congregation. Everyone played a part, from researching and planning to helping with outreach and fundraising. It is something we can all be proud of because it truly belongs to this community,” said Susan Zach, a member of Holy Spirit Parish’s Environmental Committee.

The project was originally planned as a single array on the church roof. As design and interconnection requirements evolved, the plan expanded to include a second array on the school. Olson Solar Energy worked with the parish through each iteration, helping resolve insurance questions, coordinating two separate meters, and staying flexible as the project shifted. Their responsiveness was referenced several times during the event.

A Project That Gives Back and a Community Celebration

Both systems are under 20 kilowatts, allowing the parish and school to qualify for net metering and receive credits on their energy bills. Olson Solar Energy estimates that the project will save the parish and school about $100,000 in avoided energy costs over the life of the system. These savings will support classrooms, programs, and facility improvements that strengthen Holy Spirit Parish and School.

During the celebration, parish leaders and school staff reflected on the project’s journey and the teamwork that carried it forward. It was clear from the gratitude shared throughout the room that this project was rooted in community. A strong sense of place, care for creation, and pride in working together shaped every step of the process.

“We are proud to be the first Catholic parish in the La Crosse Diocese to install solar on our property. This project reflects both our faith and our responsibility to care for the gifts we have been given. It is our hope that others in the diocese will see what is possible and join us in taking steps toward sustainability,” said Fr. Steve Brice, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish.

Buyer Beware: Solar Tax Credits

by Alex Beld | Nov 11, 2025 | RENEW Wisconsin, Solar

Earlier this year, Congress and President Trump pushed the One Big Beautiful Bill through the federal government. The massive budget reconciliation package did many things—one in particular directly impacts the residential solar industry.

After December 31, 2025, homeowners will no longer be eligible for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D). This applies to residential solar and a few other clean energy technologies. The tax credit will only be available for projects that are fully installed, operational, and legally interconnected by the December 31 deadline. This is the most conservative interpretation of the requirements. We recommend consulting a tax attorney to get the most up-to-date information.

Many solar installers are booked through the end of the year and even well into 2026. At this point, if you are not already working with an installer, we recommend that you exercise caution about any business that tells you they can complete the project in time for you to get the tax credit.

If you are still in the market for solar, please consider looking through our list of business members to find a reputable company. Some of our members are even offering discounts on installations for 2026 to make up for the loss of the tax credit. When pursuing solar power, we recommend you get multiple quotes and use a local installer. You can review our map of installers here.

Fall 2025 Solar for Good Grant Awards

by Alex Beld | Oct 28, 2025 | Press Release, RENEW Wisconsin, Solar, Solar for Good

The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $100,000 in grants and solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for the Fall 2025 grant round. Thanks to a generous donation from the Couillard Solar Foundation, the 11 nonprofits will install 911 panels for nearly 500 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to more than $1.87 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin. These grants are the second round delivered this year. An additional 15 nonprofits received grants this spring.

The following organizations have been awarded Fall 2025 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:

Mondovi Public Library – library, Mondovi
Elroy Public Library – library, Elroy
Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society – place of worship, Madison
Alma Public Library – library, Alma
Independence Public Library – library, Independence
Social Justice Center – community center, Madison
Wonewoc Area Lions Club – community service, Wonewoc
Wonewoc Area Fire Department – community service, Wonewoc
Sunny Side Development – affordable housing, Madison
Luther Park Bible Camp – place of worship and recreation, Chetek
Hope Village — affordable housing, Chippewa Falls

The grant recipients from the Fall 2025 grant round are a diverse range of organizations, representing affordable housing organizations, schools, and houses of worship. Each organization’s solar project will have a significant impact on their budget and will allow them to focus more funds on their missions.

“We’re always excited to see the wide variety of grantees who are making the decision to use a clean energy resource like solar power,” said Jackie Harrison-Jewell, Executive Director of the Couillard Solar Foundation. “With the withdrawal of grant support for many clean energy projects and nonprofits this year, as well as the shuttering of tax credits for solar investment in the coming months, it’s especially heartening to see these Wisconsin nonprofits really commit to supporting their communities by reducing their energy use, reducing their utility bills, and helping to make Wisconsin a healthier place to live and work. We want to welcome all of our 2025 grant recipients to the growing community of solar-powered nonprofits we have in our state.”

Through the assistance from Solar for Good grants, these 10 projects will accelerate Wisconsin’s transition to solar energy, facilitating the expansion of environmental stewardship and energy savings. As Solar for Good looks ahead to future grant rounds, the program remains committed to supporting nonprofits and houses of worship across the state of Wisconsin by supporting organizations in their efforts to contribute to a positive environmental impact, enhance economic advancement in Wisconsin, and strengthen their ability to aid the communities they serve.

Action Alert: Submit Comments in Support of Emerald Bluffs

by Alex Beld | Oct 23, 2025 | Action Alert, Advocacy, Renewables, Solar

Public comments are open now through November 3 for Emerald Bluffs Solar Park, a 225 Megawatt (MW) solar project. If approved, the solar project will be located in Juneau County and is planned for completion in the latter half of 2027. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!

You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message. You can also review RENEW’s public comment here – RENEW Wisconsin’s Public Comment

Emerald Bluffs Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 225 MW facility in Juneau County has many benefits:

Economic Growth: Emerald Bluffs will create nearly 1,000 jobs during construction, as well as more than 20 good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions.
Community Benefits: Once in service, Emerald Bluffs will contribute more than $1,125,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $637,000 of this will go to Juneau County, while the remaining $487,500 will go to the towns of Lemonweir and Seven Mile Creek. During its 35-year life, the project will contribute a total of $39.375 million in utility-aid payments.
Emissions Reductions: Emerald Bluffs will reduce energy production emissions by 746 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 73,500 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits.

Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Emerald Bluffs Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.