by Lauren Cohen | May 9, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Sunday, May 07, Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church (ECUMC) held a solar dedication ceremony for their 63-kilowatt, newly constructed solar array. Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church is a church located in Menomonee Falls, whose mission is to promote a vibrant and transformative community, sharing God’s love with its neighbors.
The solar system, installed by Arch Solar, consists of 118 solar panels and is anticipated to offset roughly 60% of the church’s annual electrical needs. “When evaluating layouts, Emmanuel decided to go with a “Wisconsin design to make the most of the winter sun and snow shedding,” said Andrew Holmstrom, C&I Solar Energy at Arch Solar. “This system will shed snow quicker, produce in low light conditions, and crank out power in the winter as well as the summer.”
Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church received support from Solar for Good, a RENEW Wisconsin program created in partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation which aims to expand the use of solar power among nonprofits in Wisconsin. Emmanuel Community received 59 panels donated through this program.
In addition to this assistance, Emmanuel Community also worked with Legacy Solar Cooperative throughout its solar journey. Legacy Solar Cooperative provided valuable solar industry expertise as well as funding and financing assistance so that congregation members could help ECUMC get the most out of every renewable energy dollar being spent. They also helped the church compare multiple quotes on the project, which resulted in choosing Arch Solar as the installer.
The installation of this solar system not only increases the church’s fiscal responsibility but also helps meet its sustainability goals. “We are excited about our solar project because it furthers the ministry of our church to protect God’s creation,” said Doug Walters, chair of the church’s “Green Team” and key player of the project. “At the same time, it offers us a way to save money on our electrical bills for many years. It is an investment in our children’s future.”
Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church’s solar installation showcases their commitment to being good stewards of the environment and demonstrates how nonprofits and houses of worship can lead Wisconsin’s clean energy transition. This church exemplifies how renewable energy can be leveraged to serve the community, save money, and protect the planet.
by Lauren Cohen | Apr 26, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Saturday, April 22, The University of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum celebrated Earth Day by holding an event dedicated to celebrating their sustainability efforts, including a solar dedication ceremony. They aim to conserve and restore the Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic.
SunPeak installed this 25.16 kW solar system on the Arboretum Visitor Center, and consists of 66 PV modules. The system is estimated to produce 32,000kWh of annual energy and will cover around 8% of the Arboretum’s electricity needs.
The University of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum includes the world’s oldest and most varied collection of restored ecological communities. With this global status, it is expected that the visibility of this solar array will be far-reaching. “Our mission to foster the land ethic involves promoting sustainable relationships between people and the land,” said Karen Oberhauser, Director of the Arboretum. “A key driver of people/land interactions involves energy production, extraction, and consumption. Thus, we are dedicated to decreasing our institutional carbon footprint, serving as an example of sustainable energy production and use.”
This project received funding from Focus on Energy and a generous donation from Friends of the Arboretum, and the Green Fund, a program of the UW-Madison Office of Sustainability that supports student ideas to improve campus stability. In addition to this financial support, The University of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum also received a panel grant from Solar for Good, a RENEW Wisconsin program in partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation. Solar for Good granted the Arboretum a total of 68 solar panels.
This project was brought to fruition largely due to the assistance of UW Madison student organizations, specifically Helios, whose members were active participants in all project stages, including drafting grant proposals, calculating the system’s impact, and engaging with their campus and community audiences. In addition to the UW Madison Arboretum, Helios and the Green Fund were also instrumental in getting a solar system installed on the University’s Gordon Dining & Event Center.
“We appreciate the generosity of donors and funders, the dedication of staff, the collaboration of students, and the assistance of campus and community partners as we strive to create a greener building for work and public learning,” said Susan Day, Communications Coordinator with the Arboretum.
“As an environmental research center, the Arboretum is dedicated to decreasing its institutional carbon footprint, serving as an example of sustainable energy projection and use, and informing the public about these efforts,” continued Day.
As a leader in the global ecological realm, the Arboretum’s solar installation will be visible to thousands of people over its 30-year lifespan. With this level of visibility, the UW Madison Arboretum will serve as a model to other organizations to take the first step in their renewable energy journey.
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.
by Lauren Cohen | Apr 17, 2023 | Press Release, Solar, Solar for Good
On Saturday, April 15, the Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library held a solar dedication ceremony for their 32-kilowatt, newly constructed solar array. Scenically located on the Mississippi River and the bluffs of the Driftless Region, the Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library is dedicated to serving the rural communities of Trempealeau by offering free and equitable access to lifelong learning and enrichment.
The project, installed by Ethos Green Power, consists of 60 solar panels and is projected to offset 100% of the library’s electric needs. “This investment will save thousands in tax dollars that can be repurposed for other community needs,” said Alicia Leinberger of Ethos Green Power Cooperative. “In just a few years, the savings will offset the initial investment, providing decades of free electricity harvesting sunshine on the library roof.”
The library received over $83,000 in grants and incentives to install this solar array. Among these, the Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library received an EBSCO Solar Grant, a program that funds library solar installations.
The Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library was also awarded a panel grant from Solar for Good, an initiative provided by RENEW Wisconsin and the Couillard Solar Foundation to expand solar power within the state. The grant provided 30 of the 60 solar modules necessary for the project. “The solar grants and incentives we received will help the library purchase less power generated by fossil fuels, allowing our library to be financially and environmentally sustainable, all while acting as a catalyst to inspire change in the community,” said Jessica Schoonover, Library Director.
The library has laid out several opportunities for the community to interact with and be inspired by this solar array. “The very visible solar panels and the monitoring available on the website make it easy for the public to get curious,” continued Leinberger.
This solar installation will be an example to the Trempealeau community, showing its residents the economic and environmental benefits of adopting sustainable practices. It is just one aspect of a new initiative the library is adopting called SWML Renew, aimed at beginning sustainable, energy-conserving changes to its footprint. “We are working on doing our part to develop, model, educate, and encourage our community to live mindfully of our environment,” continued Schoonover. “We hope to encourage our neighbors to consider energy-efficient ways they can Renew their homes and businesses to make a more resilient future for Trempealeau.”
by Lauren Cohen | Mar 24, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Thursday, March 23, Visit Sheboygan STEAM held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their 19.5-kilowatt solar array. Visit Sheboygan STEAM is a nonprofit organization that provides innovative science, technology, and urban ecology education.
The project, installed by Arch Solar, consists of 52 solar panels and is projected to offset approximately 28% of the building’s electrical needs and 56% of Visit Sheboygan STEAM’s production. “We had a blast working with Visit Sheboygan STEAM on their solar installation,” said Andrew Holmstrom at Arch Solar. “Installing on such a river-visible location, in downtown Sheboygan, meant a lot of Arch.”
Visit Sheboygan STEAM’s provides environmental and urban ecology education, and those involved with the STEAM program are excited by the solar installation’s educational opportunities. “The mission of our organization includes environmentally focused STEAM education, and this project will help us facilitate a new line of programming featuring photovoltaics and renewable energy,” said Kathy Cannistra, Program Developer at Visit Sheboygan STEAM.
As a popular destination among locals and tourists, Visit Sheboygan STEAM’s solar installation is a role model for similar organizations to follow in their footsteps. “All of Sheboygan County is in the early adoption stages of solar, so influential organizations paving the way are crucial in its development,” continued Holmstrom. “As time goes on, and the STEAM program grows, we’re looking forward to getting involved and providing education to the leaders of tomorrow on clean energy.”
This project was primarily funded by the organization’s existing donor base and business sponsors. In addition, RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good program provided Visit Sheboygan STEAM with a $5,000 grant to assist with the upfront cost of the solar array.
“Environmental stewardship and education are core to our mission,” continued Cannistra. “Therefore, we are thrilled that this solar project has helped reduce the energy-related costs of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) programming while simultaneously demonstrating that solar power can be effective in our climate and region.”
by Lauren Cohen | Mar 22, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Tuesday, March 21, Sheboygan Senior Community (SSC), Inc. held a solar dedication ceremony for their 198-kilowatt, newly constructed solar array. Sheboygan Senior Community is a faith-based, nonprofit continuum of care facility providing respite, short-term rehab, assisted living, skilled nursing, and end-of-life services.
The project, installed by Arch Electric, consists of 448 solar panels and will produce roughly 267,000 kWh of annual energy. It is projected to offset over 28% of the organization’s current consumption. Unlike many other solar projects, Sheboygan Senior Community’s array was installed as a ground mount on approximately 1.5 acres.
“What sets the Sheboygan Senior Community Project apart from any other commercial solar project in Wisconsin is the battery or energy storage system,” says Keith Conway, Energy Consultant at Arch Solar. “This system is designed to shave peak demand charges from the utility, thus reducing their monthly electric bill. The SSC is setting an example of what is possible to the rest of the state.”
This project was brought to fruition largely due to a generous commercial benefactor, who provided 95% of the funding for the senior community’s project. The organization worked with Legacy Solar Cooperative to secure this funding. By using a private investor, they were able to utilize the 26% Investment Tax Credit which was unavailable to not-for-profit organizations before the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
“Legacy Solar Cooperative has been very pleased to work with everyone on this wonderful project. It does indeed take a village,” says Tony Hartman, Director of Business Development at Legacy Solar Cooperative. “SSC’s leadership team especially made this project a joy, from start to finish, showing consideration for their neighbors as well as campus residents.” In addition to facilitating the financial arrangement, the cooperative provided consulting services, education, and outreach assistance.
The Sheboygan Senior Community also received a panel grant from RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good program. The grant provided 150 of the 448 solar modules necessary for the project. “SSC, Wisconsin’s Office of Energy Innovation Grant Program, the Couillard Solar Foundation, Arch Solar, and key local support brought this fantastic clean energy and battery project to life, demonstrating patience through the pandemic period,” continued Hartman.
“Renewable energy is not only the right thing to do for the environment and our community, but it provides SSC with the opportunity to enjoy substantially lower utility bills for years to come,” says Stephanie Goetz, Director of Operations at Sheboygan Senior Community. “These savings will go towards expanding our campus to continue filling the needs in our community for senior living services. Our hope is that our Solar for Seniors project can be used as an example for other healthcare nonprofit organizations.”
