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.

On June 8, 2025, Union Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Green Bay celebrated the completion of an 18.06-kilowatt solar installation that will supply approximately 20 percent of the church’s electricity needs—an inspiring example of how faith, sustainability, and community intersect. Over 100 church members gathered to admire the 42 panels shining on the rooftop of their historic church building—a physical embodiment of the congregation’s commitment to caring for the planet and their community.

A Vision Realized: The Solar Dedication Ceremony

The solar dedication event was a heartfelt celebration of values in motion. Leading the dedication ceremony was Rev. Bridget Flad Daniels, who reminded the congregation of the project’s vision first set into motion three years earlier.

“Three years ago, we dared to dream boldly,” Daniels said. “We launched a capital campaign not just to improve our building, but to align it with our values—to care for creation, to walk more gently on this sacred earth, and to shine God’s light in a new way. Today, we stand in the light of that vision realized. This solar installation is more than an energy solution— it is a testimony of faith, justice, and community. It is the fruit of commitment, generosity, and love.”

In collaboration with Eland Electric, the congregation took great care in planning and installing the solar array on their historic church. Given its age and location in a designated historic neighborhood, the project required thorough research and congregational approval to ensure alignment with preservation standards and congregational values. With guidance and support from several partners, including the West Side Moravian Church, whose own solar installation provided both precedent and inspiration. Union UCC ensured that every aspect of the project aligned with their values and the integrity of their historic building.

This investment is part of a broader commitment to sustainability. Over the years, the church has upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting and modernized its boiler system. The solar project adds a powerful new dimension to their efforts, reducing reliance on coal-fired power from the local utility while also delivering long-term energy cost savings.

Powered by Partnership: Funding the Vision

A project of this scale and ambition was made possible through community support and strategic funding. The church’s Capital Campaign earmarked $31,000 for the project, but thanks to grants and tax credits, the actual costs will likely come in under budget. Key funding sources included:

• A cash grant from Solar For Good and the Couillard Solar Foundation ($2,709)
• A Focus on Energy grant ($903)
• A $1,000 grant from the WI Conference UCC Kairos Creation Care Team
• And most critically, direct pay tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act—estimated at $14,820

Historically, nonprofit organizations like Union UCC were excluded from federal clean energy tax credits because they don’t pay taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provision now allows tax-exempt entities to receive tax credits as refundable payments, effectively putting cash in hand to support renewable energy investments.

For Union UCC, direct pay was instrumental in bridging the financial gap between vision and reality. This tax provision allowed the church to take meaningful climate action without sacrificing resources needed for their core programs. This policy shift represents a new era for nonprofits across the country, offering a long-overdue opportunity to invest in renewable energy. However, recent federal budget reconciliation efforts threaten the clean energy tax credits and direct pay provision that made Union UCC’s renewable energy project possible.

Lighting the Way Forward

The rooftop solar array is a reflection of Union UCC’s commitment to living its values. As they reduce their carbon footprint, the church also strengthens its capacity to serve the community. Savings on energy costs will be reinvested in operations, youth programs, and outreach efforts that uplift those in need.

“We may even see our electric meter run backwards on clear, low-usage summer days… In our small way, by reducing our reliance on coal, we are being better stewards of the precious earth God gave us,” Union UCC member Achim Seifert said.

From the rooftop panels catching sunlight to the warm words spoken at the dedication, this project is a testament to the power of collective vision, favorable clean energy policy, and aligned values. It shows what’s possible when a community dares to dream—and follows through with action grounded in stewardship and faith.

On Friday, May 23, 2025, members of the Heartland Farm Sanctuary community gathered at their pastoral property in Stoughton, Wisconsin, to celebrate a milestone moment—the completion of a 50.22-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar energy project that will help the nonprofit bridge compassion for animals with care for the planet.

This installation, spread across three rooftops at the sanctuary, is expected to produce over 60,000 kW-hours of clean electricity each year, offsetting about 62 percent of the organization’s annual electricity use. More than just a reduction in emissions, the solar project embodies Heartland’s mission to inspire compassion for animals, the earth, and each other. 

A Sanctuary Rooted in Compassion and Sustainability

For 15 years, Heartland Farm Sanctuary has offered a safe, welcoming space where people and rescued farm animals come together to experience growth, healing, and connection. The sanctuary provides high-quality, specialized care for animals recovering from abuse and neglect, offers inclusive humane education for learners of all ages, and facilitates experiential therapy.

By embracing solar power, the sanctuary is modeling the type of sustainability and care for the planet it teaches through its programming. It’s a powerful example of how organizations can use clean energy to put their core values into action.

“Going solar not only helps us greatly reduce our Scope 2 emissions but also serves as a tangible means of inspiring action by Heartland’s visitors, program participants, volunteers, and donors,” said Heartland board member Eric Sundquist at the ribbon-cutting event.

A Community Effort to Power a Compassionate Mission

The ribbon-cutting event brought together an array of partners, supporters, and advocates. Heartland Executive Director Jen Korz opened the ceremony with words of gratitude for the many hands that helped bring the project to life. She was joined by Sydnie Zimmerman, Heartland’s Development Specialist; Deiter Dettling, Project Manager at Full Spectrum Solar, who installed the system; and Jackie Harrison-Jewell, Executive Director of the Couillard Solar Foundation.

The project was made possible by a mix of creative financing, generous grants, and community support. Heartland financed the bulk of the $87,192 cost through Legacy Solar Co-op, with additional funding from a Focus on Energy rebate and a forthcoming clean energy tax credit, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Direct Pay provision. Legacy Solar Co-op also provided a bridge loan, the cost of which is being covered by two committed donors.

Thanks to the Solar for Good program, Heartland received 46 solar panels—a contribution valued at $11,178. Solar for Good, a program of the Couillard Solar Foundation administered by RENEW Wisconsin, supports mission-driven nonprofits across the state in transitioning to renewable energy.

Investing in Impact: From Energy Savings to Animal Care

The solar installation is projected to save Heartland over $8,000 annually—funds that will be redirected into the organization’s life-changing programs. These savings will help support:

• Farm Animal Rescue & Care: Heartland is nationally recognized for its expertise in providing lifelong rehabilitative care for farm animals who’ve experienced trauma and neglect.
• Humane Education: Through camps, classes, field trips, and clubs, Heartland empowers learners to become advocates for people, animals, and the planet.
• Experiential Therapy: Using nature, animal interaction, and evidence-based practices, Heartland provides therapeutic experiences tailored to each participant’s needs.

With more resources flowing into these programs, the sanctuary can expand its reach and deepen its impact, proving that sustainability and mission-driven work are compatible and can reinforce each other.

Looking Ahead: Building a Brighter, Greener Future

Heartland’s solar installation is just one piece of a larger vision for environmental stewardship. The sanctuary installed its solar arrays on a recently constructed barn with extra insulation to reduce heating needs. As part of ongoing decarbonization efforts, they plan to install a heat pump to serve the unfinished portion of the barn and assist with heating currently provided by propane. They’re also undertaking an emissions inventory, with an eye toward full decarbonization in the future.

These actions are grounded in Heartland’s sustainability commitment: to honor ancestral Ho-Chunk land, conserve biodiversity, and engage in practices that benefit all beings—human and non-human alike.