RENEW is dedicated to increasing access to the benefits of renewable energy for everyone in the Badger State. To accelerate the clean energy transition, we are focusing on the following key policy priorities:
Affirming the legality of third-party financing
Third-party financing is a solution to the barrier of upfront costs associated with renewable energy projects and makes ‘going solar’ an accessible option for low to middle-income homeowners, churches, government agencies, and nonprofits. Legal clarity on third-party financing is essential to expand access to clean energy.
Implementing fair and clear distributed generation policies
Breweries, farms, manufacturers, solar companies, families, congregations, and others produce clean energy that benefits the electric grid. RENEW is working to ensure that electricity is valued fairly by advocating for improvements on net metering, parallel generation rates, and interconnection rules. If we get these policies right, Wisconsin can reach its clean energy potential.
Expanding Community Solar
Community solar is a simple solution that enables residential, commercial, and large energy customers to shift to renewables and reduce energy bills. Presently, 21 states have policies supporting community solar, but Wisconsin lacks a similar framework.
Building A Roadmap for Wisconsin’s Zero Carbon Future
RENEW is partnering with Clean Wisconsin and GridLab to conduct a zero-carbon grid study for the PSC’s consideration.
Our analysis will help answer the following questions:
- What is the right mix of renewable resources in-state and out-of-state?
- What is a reasonable balance between utility-scale and distributed solar resources?
- How much transmission capacity is needed to achieve a zero-carbon future?
- What will be the health, jobs, and economic impacts as we make this clean grid transition?
Learn more about Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Plan HERE.
Rooftop Potential Solar PV Study – Boundless potential…how do we unlock it?
Wisconsin's rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) marketplace is still in its infancy. In 2020, rooftop solar generating capacity was approximately 104 megawatts (MW), representing about 1/3rd of one percent (or 0.333%) of all the electricity produced in our state. However,...
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The PSC’s Zero-Carbon Roadmap: First Steps on a Path to a Clean Grid
In 2019, Governor Evers issued Executive Order #38 to establish a goal for carbon-free electricity in Wisconsin by 2050. As the state regulator of utilities, the Public Service Commission (PSC) is tasked with regulating the number one sector source for greenhouse gas...
read moreMGE Rate Settlement a Big Victory for Residential Customers and Clean Energy
In a stunning policy reversal, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) submitted a proposal to lower monthly charges and raise energy rates for its residential electric customers. Filed on September 3rd, MGE’s rate application is strongly backed by customer groups and clean...
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Growing Focus on Energy Means Growing Wisconsin’s Economy
On June 29, 2021, RENEW Wisconsin hosted a webinar titled “Focus on Energy: Economic Impact in Wisconsin.” Dan York from American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Scott Blankman from Clean Wisconsin, and Maddie Wazowicz from Midwest Energy Efficiency...
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Koshkonong Solar Energy Center needs your support!
The proposed Koshkonong Solar Energy Center would be located in southeast Dane County upstream of the Rock River. The centerpiece would be a 300-megawatt solar power generation facility anticipated to begin producing energy in 2024. Koshkonong Solar will also include...
read moreRENEW’s legisltive focus includes clean energy financing, electric vehicles, community solar, third-party financing, net metering and energy storage.
Clean Energy Legislative Update • August 2024
Voters turned out at levels not seen in 60 years for this year’s primary to make their voices heard on several important statewide issues!
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Clean Energy Legislative Update • July 2024
Wisconsin’s primary election is an opportunity to have your voice heard on which local and national candidates you think best align with your view. This year voters also have a say in how the state decides to spend federal dollars.
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Clean Energy Legislative Update • April 2024
RENEW Wisconsin is now focused on educating candidates and voters, preparing for the August and November elections, and planning for the next legislative session.
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Clean Energy Legislative Update • March 2024
As the legislature wraps up for this session, RENEW is celebrating several victories and reflecting on some of the other renewable energy measures being considered by the state legislature. Big Win for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Senate Bill 791, the Electric...
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Clean Energy Legislative Update • December 2023
Though the year is coming to a close, RENEW Wisconsin’s efforts to support electric vehicle (EV) charging and community solar will continue into 2024. RENEW staff recently had the opportunity to testify before the Senate Committee on Utilities and Technology to share...
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Action Alert: Tell Legislators Clean Energy Benefits All Americans
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed its version of H.R. 1, the reconciliation package, by a slim majority. The bill now moves to the Senate, where we have another opportunity to advocate for and protect clean energy.
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Help Ensure a Smooth Application Process for Badger Hollow Wind
The Badger Hollow Wind Energy project in Iowa and Grant counties, Wisconsin, will generate clean, Wisconsin-made energy to help meet our state’s growing electricity demand. Ensure the approval process for this project starts strong by submitting comments...
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Action Alert: Show Support for Wisconsin’s Largest Solar Farm
A more than 1,300-megawatt (MW) solar project, Vista Sands Solar, has been proposed in Portage County. If approved, Vista Sands Solar would be the largest solar farm constructed in the state of Wisconsin.
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Action Alert: Vista Sands Solar Development At Risk
A draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) created by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regarding Vista Sands Solar Farm and is missing a discussion of solar’s impact on reducing carbon...
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Submit Comments to the PSC and Show Support for Net Metering and Fair Solar Compensation Rates from Municipal Electric Utilities
Sturgeon Bay Utilities (SBU) has filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to revise its parallel generation tariffs.
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Action Alert: Tell Your Senator to Confirm PSC Commissioner Tyler Huebner
The Wisconsin State Senate will vote on Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) Commissioner Tyler Huebner’s appointment this week. Help us keep Wisconsin moving forward by urging your State Senator to vote to confirm Commissioner Huebner.With the recently...
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Messiah Lutheran Church Celebrates a Bright Future with Solar Energy
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.
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St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Celebrates Solar Ribbon-Cutting
On Sunday, June 29, the congregation of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church gathered to celebrate a new chapter in the parish’s long legacy of service, sustainability, and spiritual care. The recently commissioned rooftop array of over two dozen panels now offsets 100 percent of St. Luke’s energy needs and shines as a beacon in the community as a model of energy sovereignty.
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Spring 2025 Solar for Good Grant Awards
The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $160,000 in solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for the Spring 2025 grant round. The 15 nonprofits will install 16 projects for a total of 813 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to more than $1.9 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin.
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“Imagine, Create, and Renew”: Green Bay Church Uses Clean Energy to Put Faith in Action
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.
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Heartland Farm Sanctuary Celebrates a Bright New Chapter
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.
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