by Lauren Cohen | Aug 29, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good, Sustainability
On Saturday, August 26, The Aldo Leopold Foundation Legacy Center celebrated the completion of its newest solar array. Since the conception of the Legacy Center, the Foundation has aimed to achieve what Aldo described as, “The oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it.”
The Aldo Leopold Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization with a mission of fostering a land ethic through the legacy of Aldo Leopold. As described by him, the land ethic involves recognizing ourselves as “plain members and citizens” of the land community and treating our fellow members with care and respect.
The Foundation’s dedication to the land ethic is underscored by its new 90-kilowatt solar installation completed by All Sky Energy. This is the Foundation’s second solar installation at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, boosting the organization’s goal of achieving net-zero. As a complement to the new solar array, the foundation has also installed three electric vehicle charging stations and added two electric trucks to its fleet.
This project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of All Sky Energy, The Couillard Solar Foundation, OneEnergy Renewables, RENEW Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The main source of funding came from a $152,000 Office of Energy Innovation grant and panel grants from OneEnergy Renewables and Solar for Good.
Buddy Huffaker, President and Executive Director of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, highlighted the significance of this endeavor, stating, “Obviously, this project benefits the Leopold Foundation by reducing our expenses, but we are most excited about the opportunity to continue demonstrating a conservation ethic that informs and inspires others to transition to renewable energy and electrification.”
This initiative resonates deeply with Aldo Leopold’s philosophy of living harmoniously with the land. The Aldo Leopold Foundation aims to lead by example by showcasing how investments in renewable energy promote sustainability while creating a tangible connection between modern living and the land ethic Leopold championed.
With thousands of annual visitors to the Legacy Center, the Aldo Leopold Foundation serves as an example for the broader community. This latest effort to electrify the land ethic has the potential to inspire others to embrace renewable energy solutions and drive rural electrification enhancements.
by Lauren Cohen | Aug 29, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Thursday, August 24, the Chequamegon Humane Association hosted a solar dedication to celebrate the completion of their 15.12-kilowatt solar array. The 28-panel system, installed by Jolma Electric, is projected to produce over 19,000 kWh annually. This anticipated output will offset 90-100% of the animal shelter’s energy consumption, demonstrating a substantial commitment to clean energy.
The Chequamegon Humane Association is a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter with a mission to promote and support the humane treatment of animals in the Chequamegon Bay area and beyond.
The nonprofit expects to save as much as $2,735 per year. Over the lifetime of the system, these savings will add up to more than $80,000 and will be reinvested into the organization, offsetting some of the expenses associated with providing essential health services for the animals in their care.
The success of this solar installation was made possible by a collaborative effort. The project received valuable support from various sources. Solar for Good contributed half of the solar panels required for the project. The remaining funding was covered by a rebate from Focus on Energy and community-raised funds. The local community played a pivotal role in this effort, coming together to contribute approximately $17,000 to bridge the remaining funding gap.
The significance of this solar initiative reached beyond its immediate impact. The Chequamegon Humane Association’s decision to embrace solar energy not only benefits their own operations but also sets a powerful example for other animal shelters to follow. The economic benefits realized through reduced electricity bills offer the organization the ability to allocate these funds to other essential programs and services that align with its mission. Their forward-thinking approach to cost savings through renewable energy will serve as a model for shelters across the state.
The Chequamegon Humane Association’s solar journey highlights their commitment not only to the well-being of their animals but to the well-being of their community. Through their efforts, the Chequamegon Humane Association paves the way for a more sustainable and compassionate future for animal shelters all around Wisconsin.
by Alex Beld | Aug 24, 2023 | Action Alert, Advocacy, PSC Priorities, Public Service Commission, Solar
Net metering is a utility billing policy that enables customers who generate electricity from their own solar systems to receive a bill credit for any energy they export to the grid. This arrangement encourages residential and business customers to invest in solar power, reducing carbon emissions and providing substantial economic benefits to their neighbors and communities.
According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), “traditional net energy metering (NEM) is fundamentally a bill credit that represents the full retail value of distributed electricity delivered to the distribution system, and has been a critical policy for valuing and enabling distributed generation.”
If passed, this utility proposal will depress demand for rooftop solar, leading to layoffs for local clean energy workers, creating new hardships for customers and local governments in meeting their clean energy goals, and moving solar out of reach for many Wisconsinites.
We’ve included sample messages for you to submit comments to the PSCW. The PSCW allows one comment per case. As you prepare your comments, keep in mind that customizing your message will have a greater impact. Comments are the most effective when they are short, to the point, and have a personal perspective. Please take the time to share why net metering is important to you! MGE’s comment period is open through September 26.
Sample Message – MGE:
I’m writing in support of fair net metering policies for Wisconsin. The changes to net metering under review in Docket No. 3270-UR-125 would make investing in rooftop solar harder and more expensive.
Net metering empowers Wisconsinites to take control of their energy consumption, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. It is the single most important policy enabling every Wisconsin home, farm, business, and institution to own solar. By reducing strain on the grid, stabilizing energy prices, and fostering job growth, the benefits of net metering extend well beyond the solar customer.
Madison Gas and Electric’s proposal before the Public Service Commission will unfairly reduce the compensation customers receive for the energy they produce with their investment in solar. In addition, the compensation rates will be subject to change every year, creating uncertainty over the system’s value in the long term. Advancing this proposal will make it more difficult for people who cannot afford the upfront cost of purchasing solar panels to find the financing they might need, and will discourage the adoption of rooftop solar, negatively impacting our local economy.
Rooftop solar can be a boon for historically marginalized communities, providing access to clean energy and reducing utility bills for households disproportionately burdened by high electricity costs. These savings free up resources for other essentials like education, healthcare, and better living conditions. Our energy policies should be making it easier for all Wisconsinites to reap the benefits of clean energy.
Now is not the time to derail our progress on distributed solar in Wisconsin!
Thank you for your support on this important issue.
by Lauren Cohen | Jul 25, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Monday, July 24, The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County hosted a solar dedication ceremony to celebrate the completion of The Salvation Army Hope Center solar project. It will provide clean energy, reduce energy costs, and reinforce the Hope Center’s mission to provide secure and safe housing for the temporarily displaced and homeless in Stevens Point.
The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County selected the Salvation Army Hope Center solar project in alignment with Rotary International’s newly created Environmental Sustainability Area of Focus. The project will not only educate the community on the benefits of solar energy but benefit Stevens Point in a way that aligns with the Rotary’s mission. Thanks to this project, the Hope Center will be able to focus more resources on its work to provide shelter and warm meals for those in need.
“The Salvation Army Hope Center Solar Project was conceived as a way to increase community awareness of the environmental benefits of solar electric power while enhancing the Salvation Army’s resources to provide lodging and meals to families in need,” said Richard Zahn, Grants and International Team Lead of the Rotary Club. “Completion of the project has been a true collaboration with funding and support provided by three major grant partners, community donations, and local Rotarians.”
Northwind Solar installed the 7-kilowatt ground-mounted array, which is expected to produce 9,000-kilowatt hours of energy annually. This will offset around 15% of the Salvation Army Hope Center’s electrical demand.
“We are thrilled at Northwind to be able to provide renewable energy to an organization that serves the community,” said Dylan Jenkins, Project Manager with Northwind Solar. “We are always happy to help reduce the carbon footprint of our neighbors, and doing so with an establishment that’s dedicated to helping others is extra special.”
The Hope Center Solar Project received funding through various sources, including a panel donation from Solar for Good, a District Rotary grant, a Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin grant, and several individual donations. The combined support from these partners demonstrates the collective commitment to create a sustainable and thriving community.
By harnessing the power of solar energy, The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County and the Salvation Army Hope Center remain dedicated to driving positive change in the community while encouraging environmental stewardship. The success of this project stands as a testament to the transformative impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a dedication to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
By harnessing the power of solar energy, The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County and the Salvation Army Hope Center remain dedicated to driving positive change while encouraging environmental stewardship. The success of this project stands as a testament to the transformative impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a dedication to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
by Lauren Cohen | Jul 25, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Sunday, July 16, The Clyde Community Center hosted a dedication to celebrate and commemorate the completion of their 8-kilowatt solar array. Formerly an elementary school, the Clyde Community Center’s mission is to foster community by providing a space for Avoca, WI, residents to host programs or participate in recreational activities.
The ground-mounted solar array is projected to produce 10,000-kilowatt hours of annual energy, offsetting 100% of the community center’s current usage. This transition to solar power is just the first step in the Clyde Community Center’s long-term vision of implementing energy-efficient upgrades.
“Our former grade school means a lot to the residents of our township as a public gathering place, but it needs upgrades,” said Juniper Sundance, Solar Champion of the Clyde Community Center.
Planned upgrades include replacing and adding insulation, installing energy-efficient lighting, and replacing the classroom air conditioning units and wall furnaces with heat pumps. These improvements will optimize the solar system’s performance by minimizing energy waste and ensuring the community center maximizes its renewable energy potential.
This project was made possible through various financial rebates and grants, including an $11,500 Focus on Energy Rebate and a $1,200 grant from Solar for Good. Clyde Community Center also received several donations from its community members.
The Clyde Community Center solar project can be largely accredited to the town’s residents who already use solar to power their homes and understand how beneficial additional solar would be for their community. “Living in an area without much infrastructure, we are aware of our need for sustainable systems,” said Sundance. “We see a potential for educating our neighbors on solar.”
The involvement of Clyde residents serves as a powerful testament to the idea that people are far more likely to install solar when they see someone they know and trust already using it successfully. This solar installation is another example for others within the township to follow.
Clyde Community Center’s solar installation demonstrates the organization’s commitment to the environment as well as its residents. By installing this system, the center can continue serving the town for years to come.
by Alex Beld | Jul 19, 2023 | Electrification, Solar, Utilities
Energy Concepts LLC (Energy Concepts) has requested a waiver of individual electric metering requirements for the Prairie Heights Residences, a multifamily residence under development in Eau Claire. The petition presented to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) seeks this waiver to simplify the integration of high-performance building insulation, electrically powered Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat pump technology, and onsite solar into this new apartment building.
The development team—Gerrard Companies (developer), West CAP (property operator/manager) and Energy Concepts (energy system designer)—are collaborating to achieve significant reductions in overall building energy usage, minimizing tenant exposure to high energy costs. Meter consolidation is crucial to optimize the cost-effectiveness of these energy measures and pass these savings to tenants in the form of avoided utility payments.
The development team is specifically seeking to waive Wis. Admin. Code 113.0803 for the project. The Wis. Admin. Code 113.0803 states that any residential building constructed after March 1, 1980 with multiple units will be required to have a separate electric meter for each unit. This extends to any residential building with multiple units that undergoes renovations after March 1, 1980.
Allowing meter consolidation for this project is key for the implementation of the two solar arrays planned for the new apartment building. The grid-tied solar photovoltaic arrays will produce 350kW, and though it will be tied directly to the main electrical grid it’s likely only a small percent of the system’s output will be exported onto the grid, due to the relatively constant energy requirements of a building-wide VRF heat pump system
Electrically powered VRF heat pump technology is designed to provide both heating and cooling using the same equipment. Heat pumps also transfer heat rather than converting it from a fuel source, which allows properly installed systems to deliver as much as three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. When paired with renewable energy, as in this case, heat pumps are a particularly effective solution for reaching decarbonizing goals.
The technologies planned for the affordable housing development are relatively new and were unavailable to developers when the individual electric metering requirements were created under Wis. Admin. Code 133.0803. These requirements are an economic hurdle for projects like the Prairie Heights Residences and removing this hurdle allows the developer to simplify the installation of their solar arrays. Rather than connecting an array, or in this case arrays, to 60 individual units the waiver will allow for the arrays to be connected to a single meter.
The array is expected to supply 20% of the electricity estimated to be consumed by residences in both their individual units and shared spaces. Pairing the array with the high-performance insulation and an electric heat pump, which will heat and cool the building, it is expected that tenants will experience an exceptionally efficient heating and cooling system that further insulates them from high energy bills commonly experienced with traditional heating and cooling systems.
The development team’s use of tax credits and incentives, combined with these energy-saving, CO2-reducing measures to build new affordable housing is particularly innovative. It will significantly reduce the energy burden on the low to moderate income residents the project is for. West CAP plans to reserve 85% of its 60 units for tenants at or below 60% of the median county income, with 12 units specifically reserved for homeless or disabled veterans.
RENEW Wisconsin believes the approach taken by the Prairie Heights project team to incorporate energy savings and CO2 emissions reductions in new multifamily housing is exemplary and should serve as a model for other development groups. We have submitted comments in support of the waiver and are watching the case closely. The comment period remains open to the public through July 25, 2023.
