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 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.
