Solar for Good and Solar for Schools are now under one roof at RENEW Wisconsin. The Solar for Good program was created by the Couillard Solar Foundation, and since its inception, we have appreciated Cal and Laurie Couillard’s trust in us to administer the program. This year, things are changing a little bit. As the Couillard Solar Foundation begins to downsize, we are honored that they have decided to further entrust us with Solar for Good as well as the Solar for Schools program.
With these programs now fully housed under RENEW Wisconsin, we intend to merge the two under the Solar for Good name. Though things are shifting behind the scenes, the mission remains the same — making it possible for mission-based nonprofits, schools, and houses of worship to do more good. By making solar power accessible for these vital organizations and institutions, we can reduce energy costs so more dollars can be spent on the missions that serve Wisconsin communities.
Laurie Couillard shared a few words with us on the history of the Couillard Solar Foundation and their decision to downsize.
“The Couillard Solar Foundation began in 2017 with funds from the sale of Componex, Cal’s small manufacturing company in Edgerton. Our family foundation started our mission to reduce the use of fossil fuels by helping nonprofits and schools install solar energy at their facilities across Wisconsin.
Initially, government rebates were unavailable to nonprofits, so our donations made the installations financially within reach. Partnering with RENEW Wisconsin and Midwest Renewable Energy Association, we focused on our programs, Solar for Good and Solar on Schools, and purchased many shipping containers of solar panels for distribution.
Going forward, we hired staff, grew our foundation board, and educated people about the benefits of renewable energy to combat climate change. As a small private foundation, the Couillard Solar Foundation has had limited success in raising additional donations to continue our programs. As the foundation must downsize due to depleted resources, we are delighted that the dedicated staff of our partner, RENEW Wisconsin, is willing to embrace the challenge to continue our effective programs, Solar for Good and Solar on Schools.
Cal and Laurie Couillard will continue to fundraise with RENEW Wisconsin to support these efforts. We are so grateful for the success of these programs and are hopeful that with RENEW Wisconsin at the helm, we’ll continue to add to the three hundred plus completed solar projects throughout nearly every county in Wisconsin.”
As Laurie mentions above, the Solar for Good and Solar for Schools programs have helped to make more than 300 projects possible, through a mix of financial and solar panel grants. RENEW Wisconsin is proud to have been selected by the Couillards to help carry their legacy of generosity and clean energy advocacy forward.
Questions about Solar for Good? Reach out to us at Ben@renewwisconsin.org or info@renewwisconsin.org.