by Lauren Cohen | May 31, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Sunday, May 21, Mount Zion Baptist Church held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of their 21.6-kilowatt solar array. Mt. Zion Baptist Church is the largest and one of the oldest predominantly African American churches in Wisconsin, with an unwavering mission to live their faith, love their family, and lift up their community.
RENEW Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to advancing renewable energy, played a pivotal role in Mt. Zion’s solar journey. Through their Solar for Good program, created in partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation, Mt. Zion received a grant of 42 solar panels—enough to supply half of the panels required for the installation.
Additionally, Mt. Zion was awarded a Backyard Solar grant from MadiSUN, a City of Madison program administered by RENEW Wisconsin. This $10,000 grant further assisted the church’s solar endeavor. These collaborations exemplify the power of partnerships in expanding solar power access throughout Wisconsin.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s solar installation was made possible through the expertise and guidance of WES Engineering and Legacy Solar Cooperative. WES Engineering completed the installation, meanwhile Legacy Solar Cooperative provided invaluable consultation, offering their solar expertise, and assisting with tax financing options.
The solar installation at Mt. Zion Baptist Church is expected to produce roughly 24,500 kWh per year, offsetting 40% of the church’s annual energy needs. Beyond the environmental benefits, this installation has the potential to have a great positive impact on the community.
By embracing solar power, Mt. Zion has significantly reduced their monthly energy costs. These savings have allowed the church to reallocate resources to support their programs, particularly those dedicated to feeding the hungry and providing educational opportunities for underserved youth.
As a prominent institution within the South Madison community, Mt. Zion’s commitment to environmental stewardship serves as a great example, demonstrating the potential long-term economic and environmental advantages of transitioning away from nonrenewable resources, inspiring others to follow suit.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s solar ribbon cutting ceremony marked a significant achievement in their pursuit of sustainable stewardship. By embracing solar energy, the church has reduced its energy costs, directed more resources toward vital programs, and set a powerful precedent for environmental leadership within their community. Through this installation, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has shown that faith, family, and community can thrive hand in hand with a commitment to sustainable practices.
by Lauren Cohen | May 31, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Friday, May 12, Lawrence University celebrated the completion of its newly installed 217-kilowatt solar array. Lawrence University is a nonprofit, mission-based college with over 1,500 students from nearly every state and over 30 countries that is dedicated to educating undergraduate students in the liberal arts and sciences.
This solar array was installed by Faith Technologies at their Björklunden North Campus in Bailey’s Harbor, WI and is the most significant initiative in their goal of creating a net zero carbon emissions facility. This ground-mounted array consists of 536 solar panels and will produce 279,000 kWh of annual energy. With this solar installation, Björklunden’s entire annual energy usage will be offset.
This solar installation is not the first sustainability initiative taken on by Lawrence University’s North Campus. Their 441-acre lakeshore property is also home to a wind turbine and a soon-to-be geothermal installation. These renewable energy implementations create a unique opportunity for the University’s students to be able to study three energy sources—solar, wind, and geothermal—in one location.
“Sustainability is one of Lawrence’s four core values and—because it is a critical component of responsible citizenship—central to our educational mission,” says Mark Breseman, Associate Vice President of Alumni and Constituency Engagement. “Installing solar affirms our dedication to a sustainable future and advances our educational mission.”
This solar energy project was funded from several sources including Focus on Energy Funds, fundraising from friends, alumni, and the Door County Community, and a $10,000 grant from Solar for Good, a RENEW Wisconsin program created in partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation with the goal of expanding solar energy in Wisconsin.
“The solar project will enhance the education we offer students and visitors, relieve energy costs to support our educational mission, facilitate research and technical innovations in solar and other forms of clean energy, and nurture environmental stewardship in the county,” continued Breseman.
The completion of their 217-kilowatt solar array at Björklunden is a significant milestone in Lawrence University’s journey towards achieving net-zero. By prioritizing sustainability, the university not only demonstrates its dedication to its educational mission but to advancing a renewable energy future. This installation enhances education, reduces energy costs, promotes research and innovation, and fosters environmental stewardship, setting an example for other institutions and communities aspiring to build a cleaner, greener future.
by Lauren Cohen | May 31, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Thursday, May 18, Movin’ Out Inc. celebrated the completion of its newly installed 20-kilowatt solar array. Movin’ out Inc. is a nonprofit organization located in Madison, Wisconsin whose mission is to provide housing solutions for people and families with disabilities, by creating safe, affordable, and community-integrated homes.
The solar system consists of 38 solar panels, was installed by Westphal Electric on the Glen Grove Apartments, and is projected to produce 24,216 kWh of annual energy, offsetting 90% of the building’s common-area electric loads.
This project came to fruition from multiple funding sources, including Focus on Energy Funds, a public fundraising campaign, as well as a donation from Solar for Good. Solar for Good is a RENEW Wisconsin program, created in partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation to expand solar among nonprofits in Wisconsin.
Movin’ Out has been the recipient of two Solar for Good grants, receiving 19 of the 38 panels required for their most recent solar project. “Collaborating with Solar for Good allows us to include efficient and innovative approaches that would not be possible otherwise.” said Kathryne Auerback, CEO of Movin’ Out.
The economic savings generated by this solar installation are incredibly helpful to residents in affordable housing. The array “will help keep additional income in our residents’ hands to spend on healthcare costs, food, and purchase other discretionary items that residents in affordable housing are often times forced with making a decision to go without,” said Narik Riak, Real Estate Development Associate with Movin’ Out.
The reduced operating costs provided by the solar array will be reflected in the tenants’ monthly rent and minimize the possibility of future rent increases. With the installation of this solar array, Movin’ Out is addressing critical issues of environmental justice and energy burden. “Movin’ Out recognizes that multiply-marginalized communities are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but often have the least access to resources that build resilience,” continued Carlson-Edwards.
By installing this solar array, Movin’ Out is empowering marginalized communities, and helping to build a more sustainable and resilient Wisconsin. This project highlights the transformative potential of renewable energy in creating positive change and will serve as a model for other organizations to follow.
by Julia Holzschuh | May 30, 2023 | Community, Electric Vehicles, Events
RENEW Wisconsin was honored to participate in the Monona (WI) Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29. Emerging Technology Director Francisco Sayu, his family, and RENEW Intern Julia Herkert attended this community celebration to honor U.S. veterans and spread awareness about electric vehicles (EVs) and Wisconsin’s clean energy future.
“To participate in an event where staff members were able to connect with the community, but also able to honor the Americans who have given their lives serving their country, was an uplifting and memorable experience,” said Herkert. “RENEW hopes the information shared with parade attendees helps Wisconsin families understand the benefits of transitioning to EVs.”
RENEW staff walked alongside Geoff Hoffman; The owner of Hoffman Manufacturing and an advocate of clean energy, who provided a Tesla Roadster —Tesla’s first production car— to use as a parade vehicle.
Decorated with a RENEW Wisconsin banner, the car was immediately recognized by many as Hoffman’s Tesla is a popular sight among members of the community of all ages. RENEW staff members were happy to answer questions ranging from “Are electric vehicles convenient for owners with families?” to “Woah, is that a Tesla?”.
RENEW staff addressed many questions about EV operation and charging infrastructure. They were also able to communicate the benefits of a decarbonized Wisconsin economy.
RENEW is grateful to Hoffman Manufacturing and the City of Monona for the opportunity to participate in this event and discuss renewable energy and electric vehicles with the Monona community.
by Heather Allen | May 26, 2023 | Inflation Reduction Act, Netzero Wisconsin, Solar
On April 18, 2023, RENEW Wisconsin joined County Executive Joe Parisi, Alliant Energy, SunVest Solar, and other community representatives at the newly constructed Yahara Solar Project to celebrate Earth Week. With the completion of the 90-acre solar project, Dane County has become the 4th County in the United States to power all of its county facilities with 100% renewable electricity.
The Yahara Solar Project is a crowning achievement and an innovative approach to developing clean energy. It will initially be owned and operated by the developer, SunVest. Alliant will deliver the power generated to its customers, and Dane County will receive renewable energy credits (RECs) in return for leasing the land. After seven years, the Yahara Solar Project will be sold to Alliant Energy to become part of the utility’s clean energy generation resources. Pieper Electric was the installation contractor and worked with multiple local unions.
County Executive Joe Parisi and Dane County have demonstrated remarkable climate and clean energy leadership. Since 2011, the County has built cutting-edge technology to power heavy-duty equipment like snow plows and garbage trucks. In addition, Dane County also established an Office of Climate and Clean Energy in 2017. Over time, Dane County has built solar projects at the airport, campsites, and other county facilities. In 2020, Dane County released the Climate Action Plan: Today’s Opportunity for a Better Tomorrow which included a path to deep decarbonization.
Dane County’s efforts to demonstrate practical solutions to reducing energy bills and emissions are a model for the nation. Now Dane County is working to share that knowledge with residents. Check out the most recent podcast from Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, Kathy Kuntz (Director of the Office of Climate and Clean Energy), and me, Heather Allen (Policy Advisor for RENEW Wisconsin). This podcast discusses how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) makes it easy to save money and shift to clean, renewable energy.
Learn How You Can Benefit from the IRA:
• The Dane County Office of Climate and Clean Energy
• Rewiring America’s calculator to help identify which tax credits and up-front discounts you can utilize.
• MadiSUNsolar.com for Dane County residents interested in going solar.
• RENEW Wisconsin’s programs help nonprofits go solar and purchase electric vehicles.
• RENEW’s summary of the Inflation Reduction Act and clean energy resources.
Podcast Links:
• Video
• Audio
by Don Wichert | May 23, 2023 | Advocacy, Community Solar, Solar
From the Summer 2023 Hornblower newsletter, published by the Dudgeon Monroe Neighborhood Association.
Community solar is on a steep incline locally, regionally, and nationally. By the end of 2022 there were over 2,000 community solar projects distributed across 40 states, including Wisconsin.
Community solar allows individuals to support or own part of a solar system with others in their community. The supported solar system is typically located close to your county, has good solar access, and can take advantage of economies of scale and professional management.
Many households do not have the ability to adopt solar energy at their residence due to shade, are not owners, or don’t have the finances to purchase a solar system. The Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood has a lot of trees, which is fantastic for many reasons: shade, beauty, oxygen, wind barriers, and noise reduction, to name a few. However, large trees, especially on the south side, reduce the energy and economic ability to make electricity from the sun on your home or business.
Community solar allows almost everyone to support adoption of solar energy wherever they live or whatever their financial situation. The three current options for Dudgeon Monroe residents include: joining MGE’s Shared Solar Program, investing in the SolarShareWI Co-op created by RENEW Wisconsin, or Legacy Solar’s Co-op.
There are many ways to support solar in our neighborhood besides placing panels on a home or business. It’s a way to earn a modest return on extra cash while doing your part to support a clean energy future.
MGE’s Shared Solar program offers households and small businesses the opportunity to reserve a share of the electricity produced by MGE’s solar arrays in Middleton serving the program.
SolarShare WI Co-op allows co-op members to invest in 1-5 megawatt solar projects in Wisconsin and get a projected return on their investment of 5%.
Legacy Solar Co-op allows members to buy bonds or be a “Tax Sponsor” in systems typically on nonprofit commercial applications like churches, schools, and similar buildings.
Don Wichert, May 2023
Founder of RENEW Wisconsin and Emeritus board member.
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 Jenna Greene | May 2, 2023 | Electrification, Health, Netzero Wisconsin, Renewables, Solar, Wind
In recent years, Wisconsin has set goals to expand clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the state level, in 2019, Governor Evers set a goal for 100% carbon-free electricity in Wisconsin by 2050. Utilities across the state have also set carbon emissions reduction targets and have made plans to retire Wisconsin coal plants. These goals signal that Wisconsin is moving toward an energy transformation.
With growing momentum to meet ambitious clean energy and climate goals, RENEW Wisconsin partnered with Clean Wisconsin, GridLab, and Evolved Energy Research in 2022 to evaluate the economic impacts of Wisconsin meeting electricity and carbon dioxide reduction goals. This study resulted in the report Wisconsin’s Roadmap to Net Zero by 2050 (Evolved Report). The Evolved Report includes modeling energy system changes in two primary scenarios. The first scenario models 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 (100% Clean Electricity), and the second scenario models net-zero carbon dioxide emissions economy-wide by 2050 in Wisconsin (Net Zero Economy-Wide).
The Evolved Report summarizes the benefits and costs associated with these scenarios. However, these summaries do not provide detailed ‘apples-to-apples’ analysis for economic comparisons. For example, the Evolved Report included annual infrastructure investment ‘system’ costs and benefits results over the 2022-2050 time period. Additionally, the Evolved Report provides health benefits using a separate modeling tool that captures benefits in snapshots in time at 2030 and 2050. However, from the perspective of climate change impacts, the Evolved Report does not monetize the benefits of carbon dioxide emissions reductions. To thoroughly compare the cost-effectiveness of these scenarios, RENEW set out to perform a supplementary analysis to bring together and compare the cost and benefits streams between now and 2050 in different modeled scenarios.
To combine the streams of benefits and costs, RENEW conducted a benefit-cost analysis of the cumulative benefits and costs of these scenarios titled Benefit and Cost Impacts of Reaching Clean Energy and Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals in Wisconsin (Benefit Cost Report). Benefit-Cost Analysis (also referred to as cost-benefit analysis) is a process that identifies, monetizes, and compares the effects of alternatives. This form of analysis is often used to compare different policies, programs, or projects. In a real-world example, The Public Service Commission often relies on intensive benefit-cost analysis to weigh a proposed utility project (such as a large solar or transmission facility) against other feasible alternatives. In short, RENEW’s Benefit Cost Report is intended for policymakers, government officials, business leaders, and those skeptical of the clean energy transition or concerned that the negative economic impacts of this transition will outweigh the benefits.
To complete this benefit-cost analysis, RENEW staff worked closely with the lead modeler to receive and understand all the data behind the many facts and figures in the Evolved Report. The RENEW team then analyzed the data by interpolating the time series data and discounting the data over time to accurately compare costs and benefits occuring at the different points over multiple decades. This process ensured value streams were accurately identified, separated, compared on common terms, and not double counted in total results. An additional description of the analytical process can be read in the Approach section of the Benefit Cost Report.
Reaching 100% Clean Electricity Yields High Benefits Compared to Costs, Achieves ¼ of Needed Emissions Reductions
Accomplishing 100% Clean Electricity by 2050 is a cost-effective target, as the benefits far outweigh the costs when all benefits are considered. Meeting 100% Clean Electricity by 2050 would cost an estimated $12 billion between 2023 and 2050 to build new renewable energy infrastructure. But the operation of these renewable energy facilities would avoid fossil infrastructure investments and ongoing fuel costs. The avoided costs of fossil fuels and associated infrastructure, which is an economic benefit of $8.75 billion, is somewhat less than the renewable energy investment alone. However, when considering additional benefits, this is clearly a cost-effective scenario.
The benefits of replacing fossil fuels with clean electricity go beyond the avoided infrastructure and fuel costs. When health benefits and avoided carbon dioxide emissions are also included, the benefits of clean electricity outweigh the costs five to one. For every dollar of investment spent to transition to 100% Clean Electricity, Wisconsin will see $5 in benefits. However, as the Evolved Report details, the 100% Clean Electricity scenario only achieves about ¼ of all carbon emission reductions compared to economy-wide decarbonization.
Economy-Wide Decarbonization in Wisconsin Results in Billions of Dollars of Benefits and Remains Cost-Effective
According to the modeling results, going beyond 100% Clean Electricity to decarbonize the entire economy would cost more money in direct investments but would yield hundreds of billions of net benefits. The estimated economic cost of the Net Zero Economy-Wide scenario is $111 billion from 2023 – 2050. The direct economic benefits from avoided fossil fuel costs will be $111 billion over that same period. The health and climate benefits are much higher in the Net Zero Economy-Wide scenario compared to the 100% Clean Electricity scenario. Including all health and environmental benefits, the benefits outweigh the costs in the Net Zero Economy-Wide scenario by $111 billion. Although net-zero transition requires more investment, the benefits are also higher for Wisconsinites. The more considerable investment associated with the Net Zero Economy-Wide scenario results in a more significant return on that investment for Wisconsin’s economy, as presented in the table below.
Transitioning to a Clean Economy Creates a Healthier Wisconsin
In both scenarios, Wisconsinites would see considerable health benefits by reducing fossil fuel use. These health benefits are measured through an air pollution model that estimates the changes in air pollutants called criteria air pollutants¹.
Reducing our use of fossil fuels will have significant health benefits in Wisconsin, resulting in fewer heart attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, acute bronchitis and respiratory symptoms, and asthma emergencies. For our analysis, we monetized the low and high-range emissions reductions estimated by the COBRA model and included the monetized benefits in the final benefits calculation of the Benefit Cost Report. In the 100% Clean Electricity scenario, the modeled health benefits are estimated to be between $18 billion and $40 billion cumulatively through 2050. In the Net Zero Economy-Wide scenario, where fossil fuels are reduced further, the health impacts are estimated to be between $30 billion and $68 billion.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!
A related report by Cambridge Econometrics, titled The Economic Impacts of Decarbonization in Wisconsin (Cambridge Report), provided estimates of the job growth and Gross State Product (GSP) impacts of decarbonization. The table below summarizes these impacts.
| Scenario |
Gross State Product Increase by 2050 |
Net Job Growth by 2050 |
| Net Zero Economy-Wide |
3.0% |
68,500 additional jobs |
| 100% Clean Electricity |
0.5% |
7,320 additional jobs |
The results of the Cambridge Report further emphasize the differences in the volume of benefits between the 100% Clean Electricity scenario and the Net Zero Economy-Wide scenario. The Cambridge Report results are clear: full decarbonization will lead to massive job growth and economic development for Wisconsin.
Public-private partnerships and planning will help ensure Wisconsin benefits from the clean energy transition and attracts job creators to our state. An article from Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) describes the potential of the clean energy economy transition and the challenges ahead. The WPR article highlights a recent Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation report on Wisconsin’s potential for EV component production, and highlights the need to develop workforce training to ensure Wisconsin remains competitive and an attractive location for clean economy manufacturers.
Meeting Clean Energy and Carbon Reduction Goals: A Win-Win for Wisconsin
The analysis performed by RENEW Wisconsin shows that meeting either the 100% Clean Electricity goal by 2050 or the Net Zero Economy-Wide target by 2050 will result in more benefits than costs for the state. Meeting either goal by 2050 is cost-effective, as each dollar invested in energy system changes results in more than one dollar in total benefits. While the 100% Clean Electricity goal is more cost-effective from an incremental perspective, reaching the Net Zero Economy-Wide goal results in greater benefits and achieves economy-wide net zero carbon emissions. Decarbonizing the entire economy requires more investment but results in considerable advantages in terms of avoided fossil fuel costs, health benefits, and avoided carbon dioxide emissions.
Fully decarbonizing Wisconsin’s economy is also critical to meet climate change goals. While transitioning the electric grid to 100% clean electricity is important, focusing only on the electricity sector will not be enough to address the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has found that keeping global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels requires net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050². This goal is aligned with the 2015 Paris Agreement to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels³. The Net Zero Economy-Wide target for Wisconsin is most aligned with this goal and is an important target to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
Reaching either clean energy goals or broader emission reductions result in benefits, including extensive benefits to human health. RENEW Wisconsin is excited to support the development of clean energy in the state, supporting economic development, human health benefits, and the mitigation of climate change.
Footnotes
1. Analysts used a tool, COBRA (Co-Benefits Risk Assessment Health Impacts Screening and Mapping Tool), to model air pollution changes and the impact on human health. The tool was developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
2. https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/SPM_version_report_LR.pdf
3. https://unfccc.int/most-requested/key-aspects-of-the-paris-agreement
by Francisco Sayu | Apr 27, 2023 | Electric Vehicles, Electrification, Inflation Reduction Act
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced a new round of competitive funding through the Clean School Bus (CSB) Grants Program. This is the second funding opportunity for clean school buses from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Unlike the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates, this new funding opportunity is competitive – instead of a lottery. We encourage school districts to partner with other communities, transportation providers, and electric utilities for their application. Any eligible school district or third-party applicant must be set up on grants.gov and SAM.gov. Interested parties should confirm they are registered and current on both websites as soon as possible.
Why Electric School Buses?
Cost savings: electric buses get the equivalent of 17 miles per gallon (MPG) compared to 6 MPG for diesel buses; these savings can amount to more than $170,000 across the bus lifecycle.
Health benefits: electric school buses cut diesel emissions, benefiting communities burdened by air pollution and high childhood asthma rates.
Energy security and independence: electric buses can run on locally sourced renewable energy from a nearby solar or wind farm, which helps the local economy.
Electric buses have operated safely and reliably in many parts of the United States, including Michigan, Minnesota, and Alaska. Although electric buses are cheaper to own and operate than traditional diesel buses, the initial cost of new buses has been a barrier to adoption, and only a few schools have been able to afford them. The Clean School Bus (CSB) Grants Program is solving this problem by covering up to 100% of the cost of new buses so that schools can save money without a significant out-of-pocket expense. Sounds too good to be true? Check out this blog post to find the list of school districts that already received awards for new electric buses in Wisconsin.
2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Grants Program Overview
The EPA is awarding approximately $400 million in competitive grants under the Clean School Bus (CSB) Grants Program. The grant application will allow for a minimum of 15 buses and up to 50 buses for school district applicants and for a minimum of 50 and up to 100 buses for third-party applicants serving at least four school districts. Awardees will receive up to $395,000 per bus without cost-sharing or matching requirements. Applications must be submitted electronically to EPA through grants.gov by Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
Eligible applicants include the following entities:
- Local or State governmental entities providing school bus service to one or more public school systems
- Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and tribally controlled schools providing school bus service to one or more Bureau-funded schools
- Nonprofit school transportation associations
- Public charter school districts responsible for the purchase, lease, license, or contract for the service of school buses for that charter school
- Eligible contractors
Please refer to the grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for specific information about this
competition.
Important Dates
| Activity |
Date |
| Information Sessions |
The first Information Session will be on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. (ET). Click here to register. |
| Deadline for Submitting Questions |
Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) |
| NOFO Closes – Application Deadline |
Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) |
| Anticipated Notification of Selection |
November 2023 to January 2024 |
| Anticipated Awards |
February to March 2024 |
Schools can submit questions to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Please type “Clean School Bus NOFO Question” in the subject line of your email. The deadline for submitting questions via email is Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. (ET). Schools may also contact Francisco Sayu, Emerging Technologies Director RENEW Wisconsin, at francisco@renewwisconsin.org, for general help with this grant application.
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.
