Geothermal Energy in Wisconsin – What it is, How It Works, and How to Utilize its Benefits

Geothermal Energy in Wisconsin – What it is, How It Works, and How to Utilize its Benefits

by | Dec 20, 2023 | Geothermal

Photo Credit: James Tinjum – Associate Professor & Director of the Geological Engineering Program at UW-Madison

Energy is the driving force of our world, powering everything from our cars to our phones and the way we generate our energy is closely tied to our health and economic prosperity. Current environmental and economic pressures are moving us toward cleaner and cheaper energy systems. As this transition gains speed it allows us to uplift communities that have been historically marginalized by disinvestment and pollution. However, this transition is complex and requires education so that all stakeholders understand the risks and opportunities ahead. To achieve success, we must understand the technologies and the tools required to grow the economy, increase energy independence, and improve our health and well-being. The purpose of this writing is to discuss geothermal energy and explore how this technology fits in the context of Wisconsin.

I have been fortunate to work in the clean energy industry for the past decade. During this time, I have learned that “geothermal energy” means different things to different people. While it is acceptable for the term “geothermal” to describe both renewable energy systems and energy efficiency measures, we must understand the differences between the two. Just like the word “cassette” can refer to a collection of sprockets in a bicycle or an analog audio recording device, the term “geothermal” can describe either a way to generate electricity from high-temperature water reservoirs (renewable energy) or a strategy to maximize the efficiency of an electric appliance (energy efficiency). 

Renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines do not require any fuel input to generate electricity, as they convert light or the kinetic energy of air into electricity. Meanwhile, energy efficiency measures aim to increase the amount of work that can be done per unit of energy, regardless of the energy source. In the following paragraphs, I will explain the differences between geothermal renewable energy, which results in electricity generation, and geothermal energy efficiency, which is implemented with geothermal heat pumps. Additionally, I will provide examples of how geothermal energy can help Wisconsin residents and businesses save both energy and money.

Geothermal Energy – The Big “G”

Geothermal energy is a renewable source of heat that comes from the Earth’s interior. Geothermal heat is derived from naturally formed or artificially created reservoirs of hot water found at varying depths and temperatures below the Earth’s surface. Natural hot springs and the famous Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park are good examples of natural geothermal energy. In contrast, artificial geothermal (also known as enhanced or engineered geothermal energy) is captured by pumping cold water into hot rock deep under the Earth’s surface. This process transfers heat from the hot rock to the water and produces steam. Geothermal heat, both natural and enhanced, can be utilized as an energy source for district heating or converted into electricity using turbines.

In Iceland, about 90% of homes are heated using hot water or steam from natural geothermal fields located near one of the country’s 600 hot spring areas. Geothermal also provides 30% of Iceland’s electricity. Geothermal electricity is produced by spinning a turbine coupled with a generator. Once the turbine starts rotating, the generator converts the kinetic energy of the rotor into electrical energy, just like in a coal or gas plant. The main difference is that coal or gas plants require a fossil fuel input, while geothermal plants don’t need any fuel, just the heat from the Earth. In other words, all the mechanical energy required to operate the geothermal plant is derived from a geothermal reservoir located near or below the plant, which makes geothermal electricity clean, renewable, cost-effective, and available 24/7.

The United States is also a leader in installed geothermal capacity. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), geothermal heat contributed 210 trillion BTU (about 0.2% of the total energy consumed) in the U.S. in 2022. Geothermal electricity is currently generated in several states including California, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has identified significant geothermal resources, most of which are located west of the Mississippi River, and estimates that geothermal can contribute up to 8% of the country’s energy needs by 2050. At the time of this writing, Wisconsin has no known hydrothermal resources suitable for renewable geothermal energy generation.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling
– The little “g”

Heating and cooling are essential aspects of building operation, especially in regions with wide temperature variations like Wisconsin. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), space heating and cooling account for over 40% of energy usage in commercial buildings and nearly half of the average home’s energy usage. Many homes and commercial buildings in Wisconsin use natural gas furnaces for heating and mechanical air conditioners for cooling. Heat pumps are quickly becoming a cost-effective alternative to the furnace and air conditioner combo, as they can provide both heating and cooling using a single appliance and rely on electricity rather than gas or other combustible fuels. Think of a heat pump as a device that moves heat from a heat source to a heat sink. A refrigerator provides a good example of how a heat pump works. The heat pump in a refrigerator uses electricity to transfer heat from inside the fridge (heat source) to the air outside the fridge (heat sink), thus reducing the temperature inside the fridge and keeping the food fresh.

Heat pumps can output several units of energy for every unit of energy input. For instance, a heat pump that delivers three (3) units of heat (measured in British Thermal Units or Btu) and consumes one (1) Btu has a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3. This means that the heat pump has an efficiency of 300%. To compare, the most efficient gas furnaces on the market are only 98% efficient. Therefore, the heat pump in this example is three (3) times more efficient than a furnace. Some people argue that expressing efficiency in values above 100% is wrong, which is why heat pumps are usually rated in terms of their COP instead of their efficiency.

Heat pumps can move energy from air to air (air-source heat pumps) or from water to air (water-source heat pumps). Both air-source and water-source heat pumps can work in reverse. For example, a water-to-air heat pump can also move heat from air to water. It is also important to note that all heap pumps function in the same manner. Whether it is an air-source heat pump or a water-sourced heat pump, the same thermodynamic principles apply. The function of the heat pump is to move – rather than generate – heat.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps are heating and cooling appliances. Heat pumps move heat from the geothermal field into a building during the heating season and from the building into the geothermal field during the cooling season. The geothermal field is a heat exchanger, typically composed of a set of pipes buried underground or submerged in a body of water, which acts as a heat source in the winter and as a heat sink in the summer. 

Geothermal Heat pumps have a significant advantage over air-source Heat pumps in areas with high-temperature variations, such as Wisconsin, because the ground temperature in these regions remains relatively constant year-round. For example, Wisconsin’s air temperature can drop below zero in the winter and reach over 90 °F in the summer. Yet, the temperature of the ground eight feet below the surface remains relatively stable at about 45-58 °F throughout the year.  Contrary to popular belief, the ground around the geothermal field does not store solar energy. The earth’s temperature at that depth is constant throughout the year. Therefore, In the summer, the ground is generally cooler than the air, while in winter, the ground is typically warmer.  Geothermal Heat pumps take advantage of this constant temperature to reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling, decreasing the overall energy consumption of a building. 

Geothermal heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in Wisconsin. At the Epic Campus in Verona, thousands of miles of geothermal pipes that stretch 500 feet underground are connected to heat pumps that heat and cool the buildings. The Discovery World Museum building in Milwaukee is another great example of a geothermal system that uses heat pumps and water from Lake Michigan as the heat source. Although the systems at the Epic Campus and the Discovery World Museum use different heat sources, the heat pumps in both of these facilities work in the exact same way. They use the relatively constant temperature of the earth or the lake to heat and cool buildings, which saves energy and money compared to traditional furnaces and mechanical air conditioners.

Conclusion 

Geothermal electricity is a reliable, cost-effective, and renewable source of energy that has the potential to make a significant contribution to the energy supply in the United States. The geothermal resources in the U.S. are mainly concentrated west of the Mississippi River, which means that Wisconsin has limited opportunities to access geothermal reservoirs that are hot enough to generate renewable electricity. However, the varying temperatures between the ground, water, and air in the state provide an excellent opportunity to leverage geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling purposes. Furthermore, geothermal heating and cooling systems work well in tandem with rooftop solar because the heat pump regulates the building’s temperature using electricity provided by the on-site solar panels, lowering energy costs, and transmission losses, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Heat pumps are currently the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available in Wisconsin. The state has a growing number of geothermal facilities, including the 1,100-acre headquarters of medical software giant Epic Systems. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides substantial incentives for geothermal heat pumps and solar, and Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy® Program also incentivizes equipment that reduces energy consumption in new and existing buildings. Taking advantage of these incentives can help reduce the state’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and reduce emissions from power generation.

RENEW offers a gift annuity for those 60 and older

RENEW offers a gift annuity for those 60 and older

by | Dec 18, 2023 | RENEW Wisconsin

RENEW Wisconsin has partnered with Madison Community Foundation (MCF) to offer a charitable gift annuity.

What is a charitable gift annuity?

Like other annuities, a charitable gift annuity offers a regular stream of income on an initial investment until your death. However, charitable gift annuities are a form of planned giving and therefore differ from other annuities in several ways.

Here is how the charitable gift annuity works:

  • You make a donation to a nonprofit organization, such as RENEW Wisconsin, and take a partial tax deduction.
  • MCF, as the holder of the annuity funds, invests the funds on behalf of RENEW Wisconsin and pays you (the annuitant) a regular payment until your death. A portion of this income also may be tax-exempt.
  • After your death, the balance of the invested funds goes to the nonprofit organization (RENEW Wisconsin, in this case).

The amount of your tax deduction depends on a number of factors, including your age at the time you establish the charitable gift annuity, the size of your donation, and whether the annuity is for a single person or a couple. You should consult with your tax advisor to determine the specific tax benefits for your situation.

Who can set up a charitable gift annuity?

The gift annuity is available for donors who are 60 and older. MCF requires an initial investment of $10,000 and offers an interest rate on the gift that ranges from 4.3% for a single 60-year-old to 9.3% for a couple who are both 95 and older. (There is no upper limit on investments.)

Whatever is left in the fund at the time of your death will be put into RENEW’s endowment fund with MCF. This fund supports Energy Analysis & Policy (EAP) graduate student interns at UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute who are working at RENEW. The endowment was created by an MCF grant and gifts from EAP alumni and RENEW members a few years ago.

As an example, a 71-year-old, single RENEW member recently established a gift annuity with MCF for RENEW.  He made an initial investment of $10,526. Based on his age and the amount of his initial investment, his annuity earns an interest rate of 5.7%, or $600 a year, which is paid quarterly. He was eligible to take a tax deduction of $3,527, and $460 of the annual income is tax-free.

The gift annuity is ideal for people who are older than 60, looking for a higher interest rate than offered by certificates of deposit (CDs) for their savings, and who want to support a nonprofit, even after death. The charitable gift annuity through MCF is designed to have a residual amount of at least 50% of the original gift for the charity. In 2017, the average amount left for charities from charitable gift annuities using the same rates (those recommended by the American Council on Gift Annuities) was 62% of the initial contribution.

For more information, contact Ismaeel Chartier at RENEW Wisconsin (815.319.5985 or ismaeel@renewwisconsin.org) or David Koehler at MCF (608.232.1763 or dkoehler@madisongives.org).

*interest rates are subject to change
Solar + Storage Cleans Up in 2023

Solar + Storage Cleans Up in 2023

by | Nov 30, 2023 | Policy, Solar, Uncategorized

Current crop of solar projects culminates with two more PSCW approvals, totaling 1,300 megawatts for the year

Wisconsin’s transition to zero-emission power plants continues to pick up speed. This year alone the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) issued construction permits for six large-scale solar power projects (see Table 1 below). 

With the recent approvals of Elk Creek in Dunn County and Langdon Mills in Columbia County, this year’s crop of PSCW-approved solar power projects will clock in at 1,300 megawatts (MW), the largest annual increase of solar power to date. For comparison purposes, the PSCW approved 614 MW of new solar generating capacity in 2022 and 1,125 MW in 2021.  

2023 Solar Power Plants Approved by PSCW

Project Name Docket Number* County of Location Developer Generation Capacity Battery Storage (in MW + MWh)
Portage 9810-CE-100 Portage National Grid 250 137.5/550
Saratoga 9816-CE-100 Wood Savion 150 52.5/210
Northern Prairie 9815-CE-100 St. Croix Leeward 150 0/0
High Noon 9814-CE-100 Columbia Invenergy 300 165/660
Elk Creek 9819-CE-100 Dunn Tyr Energy 300 76.5/300
Langdon Mills 9818-CE-100 Columbia Ursa (Samsung) 200 50/200

Five of the six approved projects this year will incorporate battery energy storage systems (BESS), with a combined total of approximately 480 MW.  Onsite storage enhances the solar output by storing excess production that occurs in the morning or early afternoon for use later that day. With the capability of providing grid support after sundown, combining solar power with storage capacity will reduce the need for generation from other utility sources during late afternoon peak periods.

Albany Solar, Green County, 2023. Courtesy Alliant Energy.

Albany Solar, Green County, 2023. Courtesy Alliant Energy.

By themselves, the Class of 2023 solar projects can generate between 2.5 and 2.6 million megawatt-hours (MWh) annually, which would equate to about 3.5% of electricity sales today. These projects, when placed in service, will usher in a wide variety of tangible benefits to host communities, utility ratepayers, and the state as a whole. In all six proceedings before the PSCW, RENEW submitted testimony advocating for their approval and describing how each project would further progress in reducing the electric power industry’s carbon footprint. This is in addition to diversifying the utilities’ energy generation fleet with in-state renewable energy resources.

Environmental Benefits

The core of RENEW’s testimony involved documenting how each of these proposed projects would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector and bring the state closer to achieving its carbon reduction goals. In 2022, electric power providers in Wisconsin discharged an average of 1,185 pounds of carbon dioxide for every megawatt-hour (MWh) generated, a higher emissions rate than those of neighboring states (see Table 2).

State Power Sector Emission Rates in 2022

State Lbs./MWh
Illinois 639
Iowa 789
Michigan 1,096
Minnesota 833
Wisconsin 1,185

Source: Energy Information Administration, State Electricity Profiles, 2022

Unlike coal plants and gas turbines, solar arrays do not produce any emissions or wastes while generating electricity. For the foreseeable future, each new solar plant should displace fossil-fueled generation during the day, which will measurably reduce the volume of airborne pollutants and greenhouse gases discharged by Wisconsin utilities.

As the PSCW observed in the Langdon Mills case, “renewable generation projects such as this one promote public health and welfare by generally avoiding most of the impacts created by other types of electricity generation.” The final decision in that proceeding cited a host of positive environmental attributes stemming from solar projects on agricultural land, including “improving air and water quality, reducing agricultural nutrient runoff, enhanced plant and wildlife habitat, and more soil carbon sequestration.”

These projects, it should be remembered, do not represent a permanent conversion of farmland to another land use. Both the PSCW and project stakeholders expect the facilities to be decommissioned after operating for 35 years or so, and the land underneath them to revert to agricultural use.

Economic Benefits

The approved applications describe how the economic impacts from the solar investments would flow to the rural communities hosting these facilities. Typically, the construction phase creates demand for engineering operators, carpenters, delivery drivers, and other trades and crafts. Each new project creates job opportunities for local tradespeople and subcontractors, with the construction process lasting from 12 to 24 months. During construction, the income reaped by the project workforce is recirculated through nearby businesses such as restaurants, motels, and entertainment venues, recharging the local economy in the process.

Springfield Solar, Dodge County, 2023. Courtesy Alliant Energy.

Springfield Solar, Dodge County, 2023. Courtesy Alliant Energy.

Once a solar power plant begins generating electricity, it becomes subject to a gross receipts tax, which is shared with the townships and counties hosting the facility. Once the Class of 2023 plants are fully built and placed in service, they will pump $5.2 million into local government coffers each year they remain operational.

Springfield Solar, Dodge County, 2023. Courtesy Alliant Energy.

Springfield Solar, Dodge County, 2023. Courtesy Alliant Energy.

Long-term economic benefits can take other forms besides tax revenues. For example, the Saratoga solar project would occupy land currently planted with stands of red pine trees. Due to the ongoing contraction of the pulp and paper industry in central Wisconsin, the market value of red pine growing stock has diminished substantially. Given that economic reality, one can expect landowners with large parcels to decouple their properties from the forest products industry and repurpose them for other uses, such as generating electricity from large-scale solar projects. As we concluded in our testimony, “both Wood County and the Town of Saratoga stand to benefit from a more diversified economic base, a benefit that power projects such as Saratoga Solar bring to the table.”

Project Pipeline is Close to Full

While construction can now begin on the Class of 2023 projects, Wisconsin electricity providers have not yet committed to incorporating any of them in their supply plans. Right now, there is a substantial cohort of solar projects working their way through the construction pipeline, totaling 1,439 MW (see Table 3). Project owners are working with their contractors to ensure that the majority of workers building these projects are Wisconsin residents. Given the very high demand for locally available equipment operators and skilled tradespeople, it is unlikely that we’ll see ground broken on any of the Class of 2023 projects until the projects under construction today are placed in service.

Utility-Scale Solar Power Projects Under Construction

Project Name County of Location Electric Utility Anticipated Start Date Generation Capacity (in MW)
Crawfish River Jefferson Allaint-WPL 4Q2023 75
Onion River Sheboygan Alliant-WPL 4Q2023 150
Springfield Dodge Alliant-WPL 4Q2023 100
Albany Green Allaint-WPL 4Q2023 50
Paddock Rock Allaint-WPL 4Q2023 65
Wautoma Waushara Allaint-WPL 4Q2023 99
Beaver Dam Dodge Allaint-WPL 4Q2023 50
Cassville Grant Allaint-WPL 1Q2024 50
Badger Hollow 2 Iowa WEC Energy/ MGE 1Q2024 150
Grant County Grant Alliant-WPL 2Q2024 200
Paris Kenosha WEC Energy/ MGE 4Q2024 200
Darien Walworth, Rock WEC Energy/ MGE 4Q2024 250
      Total 1,439 MW

Source: Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

When the construction underway wraps up, output from Wisconsin’s solar power sector should triple between November 2023 and January 2026. In that 26-month window, the number of working plants will rise from six to 18, and the combined generating capacity will increase from 650 MW today to 2,089 MW by then (see Table 4). 

Between now and July 2024, construction crews should complete work on Alliant Energy’s gigawatt-plus fleet of solar power projects. While three of Alliant’s 12 solar plants are operating today, the utility expects seven of the remaining nine units to go live between now and January 1, 2024. Most of the skilled laborers putting the finishing touches on Alliant’s remaining solar power plants are Wisconsin residents and belong to a union.

Annual additions of Utility-Scale

Year Utility-Scale Solar Generation Capacity Added (in MW) Cumulative Total (in MW) Output as a Percentage of Annual State Electricity Sales*
2020 150 150 0.49%
2021 250 400 1.2%
2022 250 650 1.9%
2023 (est.) 589 1,239 3.6%
2024 (est.) 850 2,089 6.1%

Planned Coal Plant Shutdowns Create Room for Solar Power

The ongoing expansion of utility-scale solar power enables Wisconsin electric providers to reduce their reliance on aging coal-fired generators. As these plants become more expensive to operate and maintain, utilities have initiated a generation makeover that will rely more heavily on renewable resources as well as gas-fired capacity. Output from the solar projects under development will be a key part of the resource mix, replacing the more than 2,500 MW of coal-fired capacity that will close for good in the next three years (see Table 5).

Current Coal Plant Retirement Schedule

Plant(s) Capacity (in MW) In-service Dates Utility Owner(s) Shutdown Date
South Oak Creek Units 5 + 6 528 1959, 1961 WEPCO 5/2024
South Oak Units 7 + 8 610 1965, 1967 WEPCO 12/2025
Edgewater 5 380 1985 WPL 6/2025
Columbia Units 1 + 2 1.023 1975, 1978 WPl/WPS/MGE 6/2026, 12/2026
Total 2,541 MW

In 2022, the South Oak Creek, Edgewater, and Columbia plants produced approximately 9.4 million MWh or 15% of the electricity sold in Wisconsin. It would require 4,700 MW of utility-scale solar capacity to generate an equivalent amount of electricity in a typical year. Between the 650 MW of solar power operating today, the 1,439 MW presently under construction, and the 1,300 MW represented by the six Class of 2023 projects, Wisconsin could have as much as 3,389 MW of operating solar generation by 2027. Should that happen, in-state solar power would account for 10% of the electricity serving Wisconsin electricity customers. 

As noted in the state’s Clean Energy Plan (page 109), “[u]tility-scale renewable generation plays a disproportionately large role in decarbonization, as it is very cost-effective, helps reduce the energy burden for all customers, and reduces emissions from fossil plants …. [emphasis added].” 

Clean Energy Legislative Update • November 2023

Clean Energy Legislative Update • November 2023

by | Nov 22, 2023 | Advocacy, Community Solar, Electric Vehicles, Legislative Watchlist, Local Government, Policy, Solar

RENEW Wisconsin is monitoring several new bills relating to solar and wind project siting, reforms aimed at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) and utilities, and a slew of proposals from the Forward on Climate legislative package. We are reviewing these bills to determine our position on these proposals. We are also continuing our work to support EV charging infrastructure and bills that would allow Wisconsin residents to participate in community solar projects.

Bills to Watch

On November 16, Wisconsin Democrats reintroduced their Forward on Climate legislative package. In all the package contains 20 bills, which address issues ranging from job creation to inequality. This includes bills that focus on job training grants, racial disparity impact studies, a funding increase for Focus on Energy, on-bill financing, biodigester planning grants, transportation planning, and changes to the energy building code.

RENEW is also monitoring a group of bills that would create reforms for the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and state utilities. Some of these bills would impact how utilities notify customers of rate increases, alter procedures for complaints filed with the PSCW, impact the closure of large electric generating facilities such as coal plants, and allow the PSCW and interested parties to learn what public utilities are planning for future energy generation.

A final group of bills under review by RENEW staff would directly impact large-scale solar and wind projects. Some of the potential impacts of these bills include requirements to assess agricultural land for productivity before a project is approved, limit ownership of agricultural or forest land by foreign entities, and require notification of neighboring property owners of projects before they are deemed viable.

RENEW staff is reviewing and monitoring all of these bills and will provide regular updates on their progress.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Better access to charging stations to support the electric vehicle industry is a top priority for RENEW. We continue to support efforts to remove some of the barriers in Wisconsin. Current state law limits private companies’ ability to build charging stations by only allowing electric utilities to sell electricity to the public.

  • RENEW anticipates legislation (likely led by Sen. Howard Marklein) to be introduced this fall to remove some of these barriers.
  • RENEW is hoping the proposed legislation would allow non-utilities to provide electricity at charging stations by using the national standard of charging by the kilowatt hour rather than by the time it takes to charge.
  • RENEW staff have been in regular communication with various interested parties and we hope to see movement on this proposal soon.
  • To support these efforts, we also have preliminary plans to host educational, lobbying, and test-driving electric vehicle events through the fall.

Community Solar

Wisconsin state law limits solar installations to larger utility-built projects and smaller rooftop installations on individual homes or businesses. This leaves a gap in the options available for some Wisconsinites. Allowing community-based projects for individuals to participate in solar energy generation even if they do not own the building or have adequate sun exposure would create more equity as it relates to solar generation.

RENEW Wisconsin is part of a coalition of groups that support community solar projects, along with two bills introduced earlier this year that would allow Wisconsin residents to participate in community solar projects. SB 226 was authored by Sen. Duey Stroebel, and AB 258 was authored by Rep. Scott Krug.

  • RENEW is encouraging the chairman of the committee, Sen. Julian Bradley, to schedule a hearing in the fall in the Senate Committee on Utilities & Technology.
  • More than 30 organizations are listed as lobbyists on the proposal, with an almost equal number for and against.
  • Utility groups have strongly opposed the bills.
  • Supporters along with RENEW include the Alliance of WI Retailers, NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Association, League of WI Municipalities, WI Property Taxpayer Association, and Fieldworks Power. New supporters continue to join the effort.

 

Solar for Good Powers Up Wisconsin Nonprofits – Provides $280,0000 in Grants

Solar for Good Powers Up Wisconsin Nonprofits – Provides $280,0000 in Grants

by | Nov 16, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good

More than $280,000 in cash awards and solar panel donations were awarded to 18 Wisconsin nonprofits as part of the 13th round of grant funding for Solar for Good. These awards will lead to the development of 1,600 kilowatts (kW) of solar electricity added to the Wisconsin electric mix and over $4.5 million in renewable energy investments.

Installing solar panels allows this diverse group of nonprofits to prioritize long-term fiscal responsibility, ensuring the sustainability of their institutions. St. Vincent de Paul will utilize their grant to install a 48.1-kW solar array on their new building, allowing them to redirect financial resources back into the core of their mission. West CAP, an organization committed to combatting poverty, will install a 29.76-kW solar array on its newest low-income housing initiative. This installation may potentially eradicate energy costs for their low-income residents. 

“Through our poverty-fighting programs, we want to help prepare families for a world less dependent on fossil-fueled energy,” said Peter H. Kilde, West CAP Executive Director. “This funding will not only allow us to reduce carbon emissions and help our planet, but it will also ease the energy burden for low-income families so they can afford their housing for the long term. We appreciate the support from RENEW Wisconsin and the Couillard Foundation in helping nonprofit communities make this critical transition to solar.”  

In the world of nonprofits, where financial resources are already stretched thin, the idea of adopting solar energy often feels out of reach due to the high upfront costs. Recognizing this financial obstacle, the Solar for Good program aims to alleviate a portion of that financial burden. 

“While our grant does not cover the entire cost of a solar installation, nonprofits receiving our support find themselves in a stronger position to secure additional funding,” said Lauren Cohen, manager of the Solar for Good program. “A Solar for Good grant acts as a valuable leveraging point, opening doors to further support for their solar projects.”

Integrating solar power into St. Vincent de Paul’s operations is a logical step, considering their existing emphasis on sustainability. Operating seven thrift stores and a processing center, they divert thousands of pounds of goods from landfills each month, promoting a green solution for excess items and integrating solar energy to align with their sustainability initiatives.

“We’re grateful to receive a Solar for Good grant to support the cost of solar panels for our new building,” said Julie Bennett, CEO and Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Madison. “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is proud to increase our sustainable efforts in Dane County. Solar panels are a natural accompaniment to the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ effort that is fundamental to our seven St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores.” 

Since its inception in 2017, Solar for Good has awarded grants to more than 200 Wisconsin nonprofits, resulting in over $16.7 million in clean energy investments across the state. These 18 organizations join a diverse community of nonprofits utilizing solar energy. Solar for Good is thrilled to contribute to their journeys towards enhanced energy efficiency and independence.

The following organizations have been offered Fall 2023 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:

Agrace Hospice Care – senior living, Madison 
Art Intersection MKE – community service, Milwaukee
Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County – healthcare, Sheboygan
Catholic Ecology Center – education, Neosho
Hayward Sports Center and Community Park – recreation, Hayward
Immanuel Lutheran Church – religious, Viroqua
Little Turtles Playhouse – community service, Beloit
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design – education, Milwaukee
Monona United Methodist Church – religious, Monona
Ozaukee Nonprofit Center – community service, Grafton
Pittsville Fire Company – community service, Pittsville
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church – religious, Milwaukee
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – religious, Onalaska
Sugar Creek Lutheran Church – religious, Elkhorn
St. Vincent de Paul – community service, Madison
Stoughton United Methodist Church – religious, Stoughton
West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency – affordable housing, Clayton

*One organization has asked to remain anonymous at this time.

Public Service Commission Decides to Preserve Net Metering

Public Service Commission Decides to Preserve Net Metering

by | Nov 10, 2023 | Advocacy, Net Metering, Policy, Public Service Commission, Utilities

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) unanimously voted to keep net metering for Wisconsin Power and Light (Alliant) customers yesterday. Last week, PSCW denied Madison Gas & Electric’s proposal to eliminate net metering. These two decisions create certainty for Wisconsin’s solar industry and customers.

Traditional net metering is currently the most important policy tool Wisconsin has to fairly compensate rooftop solar owners and incentivize future solar installations. This model supports Wisconsin’s thriving solar industry, offers good-paying jobs, and helps Wisconsin reach its decarbonization goals. When the time comes to transition away from net metering, collaboration between clean energy advocates and utilities will be essential to ensure that the transition is equitable and values each customer’s solar installation.

The revised version of the Power Partnership would have preserved key aspects of net metering while creating new benefits. The adjusted proposal offered a durable framework that recognized the value of each customer’s solar installation to Alliant’s infrastructure. Power Partnership limited the risk to installers, ensured a steady revenue stream to solar customers, and provided a solid growth path for solar and storage.

We stand behind our work with Alliant to create a viable solution for the solar industry. We believe there is a path forward for a collaborative effort to ensure the benefits of clean energy are shared throughout the state. And we are grateful for the successful advocacy work of other intervenors and clean energy advocates in defending net metering. We look forward to continuing our collective work to ensure the benefits of clean energy are shared throughout the state.

Pine Valley Community Village Embraces Solar Energy

Pine Valley Community Village Embraces Solar Energy

by | Nov 8, 2023 | Solar, Solar for Good

On Wednesday, November 2, Pine Valley Community Village, a prominent skilled healthcare, rehabilitation, and assisted living facility located in Richland County, celebrated a significant milestone. The organization completed the installation of its 336-panel solar array.

Pine Valley Community Village marked the successful completion of its solar array project with a solar dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The array is expected to generate more than 5 million kilowatt-hours within the first 25 years and over a half million dollars of savings for the nursing and rehab facility.

“Having solar now on our campus to help offset those electrical costs is significant. It is the perfect complement to our Geothermal system,” said Tom Rislow, Pine Valley Community Village’s Administrator. 

Pine Valley’s decision to go solar was driven by its cost-saving benefits and a desire to reduce the organization’s environmental footprint. In 2016, the facility opted for a geothermal heating and cooling system, which was effective but raised electricity costs due to increased usage. The solar system, installed by Solar Connections, now complements their geothermal system, reducing their dependence on traditional electricity sources and potentially saving up to $18,000 annually.

During the process, Pine Valley benefited from the expertise of Legacy Solar Co-op, a cooperative providing solar and energy efficiency services throughout Wisconsin.

“Legacy Solar Co-op [LSC] started working with Pine Valley Community Village [PVCV] in Richland Center, Wisconsin, back in early 2022 and helped them pursue the best-fit size and location for placing a ground-mounted solar array on Richland County property to generate roughly 17% of their electricity use per year on-site,” said Kurt Reinhold, President, and CEO of Legacy Solar Co-op. “LSC is proud to have helped PVCV succeed in finishing this project!”

Pine Valley Community Village’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy received a significant boost through the support of generous donors and the Solar for Good program. Key supporters Ray & Sylvia Schmitz and Bob Simpson played a vital role in the project’s fundraising plan. Pine Valley Community Village also received a Solar for Good grant, providing them with 150 of the 336 panels necessary for the solar array.

“It couldn’t have been possible without several contributions,” said Rislow. “Starting with our qualifying to receive 150 solar panels free through the Solar for Good program, getting a Focus on Energy grant, receiving generous donations from two local businessmen, and the likelihood of receiving additional funds through a program within the Inflation Reduction Act.”

Pine Valley Community Village’s commitment to clean energy reflects its values and showcases Richland County’s dedication to environmentally responsible operations. The project not only supports sustainability but is also expected to substantially reduce the facility’s electrical expenses for years to come.

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Decides to Keep Net Metering

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Decides to Keep Net Metering

by | Nov 3, 2023 | Advocacy, Net Metering, Policy, Public Service Commission, Utilities

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) delivered a unanimous decision on Friday to keep net metering in the Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) territory. This action is a win, not just for MGE customers but for all of Wisconsin.

“It almost felt as though it was a half-hearted proposal, and so I didn’t feel like there was enough information to support authorizing it [MGE’s proposed net metering change],” said PSCW Chairperson Rebecca Valq. “… for Wisconsin to have a consistent approach to net metering, I would not approve this proposal.”

There was overwhelming support to keep net metering in MGE’s service territory. There were 500 members of the public and 14 intervenors, including RENEW, who opposed MGE’s proposed net metering changes. This collective effort played a vital role in ensuring rooftop solar will remain financially viable for MGE solar customers.

This decision from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin represents a major win for rooftop solar and the solar industry in Wisconsin. Net metering is fundamental in ensuring that rooftop solar owners are properly incentivized and compensated for their energy generation. We look forward to working with other utilities to ensure residential rooftop solar and large-scale renewable projects remain viable tools for meeting Wisconsin’s decarbonization goals.

Net metering has a direct impact on the local economy. The installation, maintenance, and servicing of rooftop solar systems creates employment opportunities, providing long-term benefits for Wisconsin communities and businesses. RENEW is celebrating the decision made by the PSCW today to ensure equitable access to solar for all Wisconsin families and create certainty for local solar installers.

The collective efforts of our members, partners, and the general public were crucial in the effort to protect net metering. Thank you to everyone who made their voices heard in the MGE rate case. We look forward to hearing from the PSCW again later this November when they deliver their decision for the Alliant Energy rate case.

RENEW Wisconsin Community Portal FAQ

RENEW Wisconsin Community Portal FAQ

by | Oct 31, 2023 | Membership, RENEW Wisconsin

WHAT IS THE RENEW WISCONSIN COMMUNITY PLATFORM?
The RENEW Wisconsin Community Platform is being launched for our new and renewing business members! The Community Platform launched on November 1, 2023, and gives our business members unprecedented opportunities for industry-specific knowledge, opportunities, and connections.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
The platform creates a space for RENEW business members to connect with each other, expand networks, share stories, and explore industry content that interests you. RENEW’s community platform lets users participate in events, react to our news feed, and join groups they feel closest to. 

WHO CAN JOIN AND HOW?
Any of RENEW’s business members are welcome to join the portal. To join, please navigate to the portal and submit a request to join. From there, the RENEW team will approve or deny the request. When approved, users will be prompted to complete their profile set-up, including adding the business they are associated with, joining the groups that interest them, and exploring the robust community within the platform.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS?
The RENEW Wisconsin Community Platform brings many benefits, including access to all other business members, organizations, industry-specific events, news, conversations, and more! Members can also promote job opportunities, join groups that interest them, and start conversation forums. 

Electric School Buses Arrive in Wisconsin

Electric School Buses Arrive in Wisconsin

by | Oct 27, 2023 | Electric School Bus, Electric Vehicles, Electrification, Events

The Palmyra-Eagle Area School District, in collaboration with Dousman Transport Company, has deployed Wisconsin’s first registered electric school buses. The new buses were funded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program.

The community joined the district for a celebration on Wednesday, October 25, at the Irving L. Young Community Center on the Palmyra-Eagle Middle and High School campus. Palmyra-Eagle Area School District not only has the first registered electric school buses in Wisconsin but is the first district to switch over its entire fleet to electric.

Ryan Krohn, Palmyra-Eagle School District Superintendent, said, “As we look at where we’re going, in our mission statement we talk about the word innovation, and while our school district prides itself on performance excellence, there’s also a time for us to think about the future and sustainability.”

Krohn’s Full Comments:

 

The new superintendent also noted that the buses will help to keep district dollars in the classroom and support learning.

When considering whether to apply for the funding former Palmyra-Eagle School District Gray asked, “What do we save in fuel costs?”

Upon learning that number he determined quickly that it was a done deal.

“We’ve got to do this, we’re talking $50,000 – $60,000 on up in fuel savings and that’s a big number to our district here,” Gray said.

The district received $2.4 million through the Clean Bus Program to acquire all six electric school buses and install charging stations. The Clean Bus Program, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, covered the full cost of the buses for the district.

Fourteen additional Wisconsin schools, which also received Clean Bus Program funding, will receive their buses over the next few months.

By giving districts the opportunity to acquire these buses without having to use district dollars they are able to immediately start saving on fuel costs.

During the celebration one bus driver noted that fully charging the bus they were driving only cost $4. For perspective that’s less than a single gallon of diesel at the time of writing.

The implementation of electric buses will lead to healthier communities and smoother, quieter rides for students. Fully charged, the electric buses, manufactured by IC Bus, can travel around 135 miles. This transition to electric school buses means healthier, quieter rides for the approximately 325 Palmyra-Eagle students who currently take the bus to school.

“In all my years of administration I’ve never seen such excitement over yellow buses,” Gray said.