Requirements

• Be a nonprofit organization, Tribal entity, or community-serving institution
• Demonstrate that the project will serve the greater community, not solely private or internal organizational benefit
• Be located within the eligible service region (Wisconsin, if applicable)
• Have a project that is ready to move forward within the proposed timeline
• Utilize a contractor that is an active RENEW Wisconsin member in good standing at the time of application

Priority Considerations

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Serve low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities
• Partner with or are led by Tribal communities
• Support or are led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities
• Deliver clear, measurable community benefits, such as reduced energy burden, workforce development, or community resilience

Evaluation Criteria

• Community impact and reach
• Alignment with priority populations
• Project readiness and feasibility
• Use of a qualified RENEW Wisconsin member contractor
• Clarity and completeness of application
• Financial viability of the project

Before You Apply for Solar for Good

• Before applying for a Solar for Good award, take some time to learn about solar energy and evaluate whether this is a good idea for your organization.
• Get site assessments from one or more reputable solar companies, and determine which company you will work with.
• Receive a formal solar proposal from a selected solar firm and identify the size and cost of the project you will install.
• Inform your solar firm that you are interested in applying for a Solar for Good grant.

Apply for Solar for Good Grant

• The spring grant cycle is open now through May 4. APPLY HERE
• Applications must be submitted through the online application form. Emailed or mailed-in application forms will not be reviewed. RENEW evaluates each application on an individual basis.
• If you have any difficulty completing the application, including uploading your project proposal or proof of tax-exempt status (an IRS designation or current certificate from Wisconsin’s Department of Financial Institutions), please email SolarforGood@renewwisconsin.org.
• If the application is approved, we will reserve your award until you are ready to install (Solar Panels) or until after your project is complete (Project Grant).

If Your Application is Selected

• RENEW Wisconsin will hold grant reservations for no more than 12 months, so all fundraising, design and installation for the project must be completed within that timeframe.
• Accept the Solar for Good award by signing our MOU. Your document will be customized, but you can view a sample MOU HERE.
• Sign your contract with your selected solar company and provide us a copy of your finalized contract and proposal.
• Execute your fundraising campaign. Awarded organizations are required to check in with us at 6 months and show progress towards meet the funding goal. If you are not on track, we will work with you to find a solution or cancel your reservation.
• Work with your solar contractor to complete the installation of the solar project within 12 months. RENEW Wisconsin will arrange for your solar panels when your contractor is ready to install.

By accepting a Solar for Good grant, awardees are required to conduct each of the following: host an event, develop resources or educational materials, and complete the Project Evaluation Survey. These requirements are also outlined in the MOU. You can view a draft Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by grant recipients HERE.

Host an Event

Grantees play a key role in educating their communities about the benefits of solar energy. As part of their commitment, awarded organizations must host a community event within one year of their solar installation, as outlined in their signed MOU. Examples of qualifying events include:

• Open House: Showcasing the new solar system and its impact.
• Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Celebrating the installation with stakeholders and community members.
• Dedication Ceremony: Marking the occasion with a formal acknowledgment of the project’s significance.

These events provide opportunities to engage the community, raise awareness, and inspire further adoption of solar energy.

Collateral Creation

To have a lasting visibility of their solar installation, awarded organizations are required to develop educational or promotional materials. Examples of qualifying educational or promotional materials include:

• Case Study: Developed in partnership with RENEW Wisconsin
• Dedicated Webpage: A page on the organization’s website that shares information about the solar project and Solar for Good
• Educational Handouts: Renewable energy education materials distributed at the facilities

Project Evaluation Survey and Data

Grantees will notify RENEW Wisconsin the date the system is commissioned. Six months after the solar system has gone live, the Project Evaluation Survey will be due. This survey examines the organization’s energy savings, system performance, experience with your selected firm, and overall experience with the Solar for Good program.

We also ask that you provide data from your installation on a yearly basis so we can track the effectiveness of Solar for Good. Data will not be shared on an organization-by-organization basis. We use the data to highlight overall energy production and avoided emissions.

Solar for Good Fundraising

Pay it forward! We ask that all recipients of the Solar for Good grant help with our yearly fundraising efforts in June. Whether this is helping to spread the word, participating in fundraising events, or hosting your own fundraiser, we need your help to keep Solar for Good operating at full steam. Let’s do good, together!

Who is Eligible for Solar for Good? 

In order to receive a grant, the organization must be a registered mission-based nonprofit, public school, or house of worship located in Wisconsin, be in good financial standing, be able to accept donations, and own its building or be able to make necessary changes to its roof or property to accommodate solar. Note that this program is designed to fund mission-based organizations. Solar for Good grant recipients that are nonprofits should demonstrate service and impact in their communities.

Organizations receiving a grant must agree to promote their solar project and educate their community members about the benefits of solar energy. You can view a draft Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by grant recipients HERE.

Can we receive multiple awards from Solar for Good? 

Organizations can receive one grant per grant cycle.

Can we receive a Solar for Good award if we are applying for other grants? 

Yes, we encourage you to seek additional funding opportunities! When applying for other grants, be sure to ensure that the qualifications for each funding opportunity align. There are several ways to fund the remaining costs, including, but not limited to matching funds for a public fundraising campaign, financing your system, and more.

What kinds of projects and associated costs are ineligible? 

Equipment purchases and maintenance costs not tied to a completed and interconnected project are not eligible for this grant. Similarly, projects exceeding the 20 kW cap and that are not community-serving in nature are not eligible for this grant.

Even if you are not ready to apply for Solar for Good, we would love to learn more about your solar project and provide guidance on what steps you can take in the meantime! 

Reach out to solarforgood@renewwisconsin.org to learn more about this opportunity!