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.

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, The Nature Place in La Crosse celebrated the installation of a rooftop solar array that will power its programs and deepen its mission: cultivating meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. Partners, supporters, and community members helped recognize these exciting renewable energy milestones as a manifestation of community, education, and the shared vision of creating a healthier environment for generations to come.

A Mission Rooted in Connection

Affectionately known as “nature’s living room,” The Nature Place is a nature-focused community center for La Crosse and beyond. Its doors are open year-round to people of all ages, inviting them to learn, gather, and connect with the natural world. From hands-on school programs and family nature days to science-based community events, camps, and inclusive gatherings, The Nature Place fosters joy, curiosity, and belonging.

This new solar project builds on that mission by showing how sustainability can be woven into daily life. By bringing renewable energy to the rooftop, The Nature Place is helping people understand the power of clean energy and the ripple effects it can have on both the environment and the community.

A Day of Celebration

The ribbon-cutting event was filled with gratitude and excitement. The program began with remarks from Mary Freybler, Director of Development at Central Conservation; Rebecca Schwarz, Director of The Nature Place; and trustees Carolyn and Joy Scott. Their reflections highlighted the vision and perseverance that brought the project to life.

The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce provided the ribbon-cutting, marking the official celebration of this milestone. Representatives Aaron Benson and Josh Barbara from Solar Connection, the installer of the solar system, shared an overview of the project and its anticipated impact. After the ceremony, attendees gathered inside for refreshments, tours of The Nature Place, and time to reflect on the significance of the day.

Powering the Future with Solar

The newly installed 79-kilowatt rooftop solar array, comprising 120 panels, will offset an estimated 68% of The Nature Place’s annual electricity use, immediately reducing energy costs while lowering its carbon footprint. The system’s lifetime impact is equivalent to driving 230,240 fewer miles, conserving 1,425,106 pounds of coal, and planting 34,203 trees. 

The installation is both a technical achievement and a teaching tool. Real-time data on energy production will be incorporated into educational programming, giving students and visitors a direct way to see the benefits of renewable energy in action. Estimated annual energy cost savings of roughly $12,000 will be reinvested into operations and programs, strengthening The Nature Place’s ability to serve the greater La Crosse community.

Partners in Sustainability

This project was made possible thanks to a network of generous partners and supporters who believe in the power of clean energy to transform communities. The Couillard Solar Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the transition to clean energy for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, provided a solar panel grant through the Solar for Good Program to help make the installation a reality. Additional support came from the Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation and the Solar Moonshot Program,  BQuest Foundation, Focus on Energy, and The Paul Fleckenstein Trust. Other major donations came from The Nature Place community members Kathie & Rob Tyser, the Cleary Family, Michael Aleckson, and other community donors. 

A Brighter Path Forward

The solar installation is part of a broader commitment to sustainability at The Nature Place. Previous upgrades, such as efficient lighting and occupancy sensors, have already reduced energy use. Looking ahead, the organization plans to build on this momentum with a new outdoor pavilion/classroom powered by solar energy, sustainable renovations to an existing barn to transform it into a community event/education space, and future HVAC system upgrades to further increase efficiency. 

By installing solar, The Nature Place has tangibly invested in La Crosse’s community, environment, and clean energy future. By reducing operating costs, the organization can channel more resources into the experiences that inspire and connect community members to the natural world. By showcasing solar power in action, it provides a living classroom for sustainability. Through support and collaboration with donors, partners, and supporters, it proves that when a community comes together, remarkable change is possible.

To learn more about this project or to support its ongoing fundraising campaign, visit The Nature Place’s solar project page.

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Messiah Lutheran Church celebrated the completion of a 64-kilowatt solar array on its rooftop with a heartfelt dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying a bold investment in creation care and the future of its ministry.

The ribbon-cutting and dedication service reflected the joy and hope behind the project. Lead Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel and Associate Pastor Dan O’Brien led the congregation in prayer and blessing, dedicating the panels to God’s work of renewal and stewardship. Members of the Building Team, including John Nerad and Business Manager Tim Coulthart, were recognized for their leadership, along with the Parish Council, which supported the vision from start to finish.

A Mission of Service, Extended to the Earth

For more than 60 years, the church has been a place of welcome, service, and love for its Madison community. Guided by the mission “to be the heart and hands of Jesus to our neighborhood, city, and the world,” Messiah has long lived out its values through food and supply drives, youth and senior programs, and partnerships that strengthen local schools and organizations. 

“We’ve come to realize one huge aspect of our faith is advocacy,” Pastor Dan said. “Advocating for social justice is vital, but none of that will matter if our world becomes too toxic to live on. Taking real steps to improve the health of this planet is so important, and this solar project is one way we are responding to our responsibility as stewards of the earth.”

Powering Ministry with the Sun

The new rooftop solar array, installed by Eagle Point Solar, consists of 121 panels and is anchored with concrete blocks to protect the roof. The system will generate approximately 85,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and offset 98 percent of the church’s annual energy use. 

In addition to powering the church itself, the panels also power compassion, learning, and justice for neighbors near and far. The roughly $9,000 annual utility bill savings will flow back into Messiah’s many community partners, including Goodman Community Center, Porchlight, Second Harvest Food Bank, and many others. These organizations provide year-round support to local children and families in need.

Funding a Sustainable Future

The church approached the decision to invest in solar with both practicality and financial benefits in mind. Solar will reduce operating costs, protect against rising energy prices, and free up resources for mission-driven programs while serving as a public testament to the congregation’s values. Messiah utilized its capital funds project reserve and a Focus on Energy incentive to develop its solar project. The Couillard Solar Foundation, through the Solar for Good program administered by RENEW Wisconsin, helped offset costs further by donating half the solar panels for the project.

“As we move into the future, we at Messiah feel that a part of our calling is to be good stewards of the earth,” Pastor Dan said. “Being the heart and hands of Jesus, in our vision, is to both respond to the direct needs of our communities and to work toward dismantling systems that have caused harm to people and the world. This solar project is one way we hope to do this in a positive way.”

Faith Through Action for Generations to Come

Messiah’s commitment to sustainability is deeply intertwined with its broader work. From supporting students at Kennedy Elementary School with backpack drives and bus funding, to hosting a robust Senior Adult Ministry, to providing rental assistance and aid through the Gundlach Family Fund, the church consistently meets community needs with creativity and compassion. Messiah also actively engages in racial and social justice work through partnerships with Nehemiah and MOSES, book groups that challenge bias, and its public stance as a Reconciling in Christ congregation welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals.

As the sun now powers Messiah Lutheran Church, its light shines beyond the walls of the sanctuary, fueling ministries that nurture children, comfort the elderly, advocate for justice, and uplift neighbors in need. The solar project is a legacy that will serve generations to come, proving that faith, action, and sustainability can work hand in hand to bring healing to the world.

On Sunday, June 29, the congregation of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church gathered to celebrate a new chapter in the parish’s legacy of service, sustainability, and spiritual care. Their recently completed rooftop array of nearly four dozen panels is expected to offset 100 percent of St. Luke’s energy needs and is a shining example for the community. 

Rooted in the principle of Creation Care for the Earth and climate, St. Luke’s is leading by example with a project that both reduces energy costs and reduces carbon emissions. With renewable, reliable energy flowing from its sanctuary roof, the church hopes to inspire the broader community to make similar sustainable upgrades. 

St. Luke’s was founded in 1870 with a deep commitment to outreach and compassion beyond its own walls. The solar installation, energized in January 2025, furthers that mission as an act of both faith and environmentalism. The 18.63-kilowatt system, installed by Full Spectrum Solar, is projected to yield cost savings that allow the parish to reinvest in outreach programs and community partnerships.

Ribbon-Cutting, Blessings, and Sun-Kissed Celebration

At the celebration, roughly thirty congregants—children, elders, and families—gathered on the lawn to mark the milestone. Fr. Jason Lavann led a prayer themed around the sun and light before blessing the panels. Inside, a reception of cake, coffee, and watermelon welcomed attendees. Tables were adorned with cheerful, sun-printed linens, and the conversations buzzed with energy, not just about the project’s success, but about what might come next. Members chatted excitedly about adding solar to the church’s rectory and explored how they might support solar efforts in their own neighborhoods.

Making It Happen: A Patchwork of Generosity and Grants

Like the stained-glass windows in St. Luke’s sanctuary, the success of the solar project was built from many pieces, each vital to the whole. The $56,270 project was made possible through a blend of local grants, federal incentives, and parishioner generosity.

Key funding sources included:

• Solar for Good: Through support from the Couillard Solar Foundation and RENEW Wisconsin, this initiative donated $2,453 to help cover the cost of the project. 
• Elective Pay (Inflation Reduction Act): As a nonprofit, St. Luke’s expects to receive a 30% IRS direct payment in lieu of a tax credit of $16,881 for their clean energy project. 
• Focus on Energy: Wisconsin’s clean energy incentive program awarded the church $932.
• Faith in Place: Their Green Energy Assistance Fund (generously funded by Jeffery Jens and Ann Boisclair) granted $8,000 to support installation.
• Diocese Commission on Creation Care: This Episcopal initiative provided a $1,000 grant to help reduce the church’s carbon footprint.
• Anonymous Donors: Parishioners contributed a remarkable $26,600, embodying a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and communal resilience.

Patience, Planning, and People

St. Luke was able to achieve their renewable energy dreams with the help of patience, careful planning, and the right people. The rooftop installation faced unexpected delays from their local utility, which pushed the project’s completion from Fall 2024 to January 2025. Fortunately, Full Spectrum Solar kept the church abreast of potential hurdles. 

“This experience certainly taught us patience with things beyond our control, as well as the need to apply pressure at times to keep the project moving forward. Another lesson is to involve people who are genuinely interested, from a variety of backgrounds (financial, engineering, procurement, etc.) as part of a team to oversee the project,” said Sr. Warden David Bernstein.

A Ripple Effect of Hope and Action

The impact of St. Luke’s solar installation extends far beyond energy bills. It has sparked interest in nearby churches, caught the eye of curious neighbors, and stirred conversation in the community.

“The impact of the project goes beyond our parish. Yard signs, installer trucks, and the actual installation process has created a buzz in the neighborhood surrounding our small parish. And, publicity in the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin’s weekly news post has created interest from other parishes,” said Fr. Jason Lavann. 

The momentum isn’t slowing down– with conversations underway about adding solar to the rectory and growing curiosity about broader sustainability initiatives, St. Luke’s is just getting started.

A Brighter Path for Faith and Planet

In a country urgently calling for environmental responsibility and energy sovereignty, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church has responded not only with words but with action. By going solar, the parish honors its faith, serves its community, and helps steward climate action for future generations. As sunlight now powers both sanctuary and spirit, St. Luke’s stands as a radiant example of what’s possible when a community gathers under one roof, energized by faith and the sun alike.