by jboullion | Jan 6, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a media release issued by Focus on Energy:
(January 6, 2009) – (January 6, 2009) – Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, announced today that Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services officially became a program member beginning January 1, 2009. The utility, located in Ellsworth, Wis., serves approximately 6,500 electric members throughout most of Pierce County and portions of Pepin, St. Croix and Buffalo counties.
“I welcome Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services into Focus on Energy and am delighted its customers will be able to benefit from the services the program offers,” said Eric Callisto, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the agency that manages the state’s Focus on Energy Program. “Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services’ decision to participate in Focus on Energy will result in a healthier environment for Wisconsin and will provide options for its customers to make sound energy decisions.”
Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services will participate in the Business, Residential and Renewable Energy offerings under the Focus on Energy umbrella. The benefits of participating include:
Business Programs that help manufacturers, commercial businesses, farmers, schools and local governments reduce operating costs, increase their bottom line and improve productivity and employee and customer comfort. The programs offer technical expertise, training and financial incentives to help implement innovative energy management projects.
Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Apartment & Condo Efficiency Services Programs that encompass new and existing homes, multi-family construction and remodeling projects for all types of residential dwellings. These programs help homeowners and landlords integrate energy improvements into their remodeling projects, as well as deliver newly-built homes, apartments and condominiums that are comfortable, safe, durable and energy efficient.
Lighting and appliance programs that increase the availability of ENERGY STAR qualified products ranging from compact fluorescent light bulbs to heating and cooling equipment. These efforts deliver lower energy bills for residents and businesses and increased sales for retailers and contractors.
Renewable Energy Programs that help residents and businesses harness energy from sunlight, wind and organic materials.
Targeted Home Performance that reduces energy bills while increasing comfort and safety for income-qualified participants.
by jboullion | Jan 2, 2009 | Uncategorized
From the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA):
PV Systems For Your Home
Course Instructor: Jim Funk, Energize LLC
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Metropolitan Builders Association
N16 W23321 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188
Thursday, March 19, 2009
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Outpost Natural Foods – Bay View
2826 S. Kinnickinnic
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Saturday, April 25, 2009
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Keep Great Milwaukee Beautiful
1313 Mount Vernon Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Saturday, May 16, 2009
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park
1500 E. Park Place
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Solar Water Heating for Your Home
Course Instructor:
Roak Parker, Beyond Green
Thursday, March 5, 2009 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Metropolitan Builders Association
N16 W23321 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188
Thursday, March 26, 2009
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Outpost Natural Foods – Bay View
2826 S. Kinnickinnic
Milwaukee, WI 53207
Saturday, April 25, 2009
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Keep Great Milwaukee Beautiful
1313 Mount Vernon Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Saturday, May 16, 2009
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park
1500 E. Park Place
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Course descriptions and registration details
PV (Solar Electric) Systems for Your Home: Participants in this two hour seminar will learn about: how photovoltaic (PV) systems create electricity from the sun; what components make up a PV system; how to determine what size system will meet your needs; where to locate a system on your home or property; what PV systems cost and the financial incentives that are available. This program includes handouts, demonstrations, and a question and answer period. We Energies and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) have partnered to offer this seminar, and it is only available to We Energies Customers. Cost: $15/person, or $5/We Energies’ Energy For Tomorrow Customers. To register visit: www.we-energies.com/RE, or call the MREA at 715-592-6595.
Solar Water Heating for Your Home: Participants in this two hour seminar will learn how to supplement their existing water heating system with a solar water heater that uses the sun’s energy to heat water. They will also learn about the components that make up a solar water heating system, the most reliable system types for cold climates, where to locate a system on a home or property, what solar water heating systems cost and the financial incentives available, and the steps to get started with an installation. We Energies and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) have partnered to offer this seminar, and it is only available to We Energies Customers. Cost: $15/person, or $5/We Energies’ Energy For Tomorrow Customers. To register visit: www.we-energies.com/RE, or call the MREA at 715-592-6595.
by jboullion | Dec 31, 2008 | Uncategorized
From left to right, Michael Vickerman (RENEW), Paul Milbrath (Wigwam), and Dave Drapac (Seventh Generation Energy) check Wigwam’s solar thermal collectors, designed by Energy Concepts, Hudson, Wisconsin.
From a solar hot water profile written by RENEW’s Michael Vickerman and Ed Blume for Focus on Energy:
“We wanted to do something genuine, not phony,” said Bob Chesebro, president of family-owned Wigwam Mills, Sheboygan, about his company’s decision to install a solar energy system.
Initially, Chesebro wasn’t sure which kind of solar energy system to go with. But the more he delved into the question, the more he came to believe that solar hot water would provide the best fit for the 103-year-old company.
Placed in service in February 2008, Wigwam’s 27 solar collectors supply 47 percent of the hot water used by the company to shrink, bleach, antimicrobial treat, wash and soften 40,000 pairs of socks each day. . . .
by jboullion | Dec 31, 2008 | Uncategorized
From an article by Brian Reisinger in the Marshfield News Herald:
Mike Anderson retired from corporate life several years ago to a big house he didn’t need and a desire to live free. That included how he got his electricity.
“What can we do to minimize our impact?” Anderson, 60, said of he and his wife’s desire to pursue alternative energy.
Today, he powers and heats the home he built in the town of Marathon largely by sun and wind. It’s a transition that includes major costs and logistical challenges, but also long-term benefits to everyone, experts and residents who use alternative energy say.
In Anderson’s case, his solar panel and wind turbine cost about $30,000 and $70,000, respectively. Mike Ritzel, owner of Bullshooters Saloon in Weston, wants to install similar systems at his business, but said upfront costs make it difficult.
“Cost is the prohibitive thing,” he said.
There are government incentives and rebates available. That’s partially how Anderson paid for his systems, but Ritzel said elected officials need to provide more funding and fewer restrictions.
by jboullion | Dec 29, 2008 | Uncategorized
From a story by Ken Reibel in the Milwaukee Express:
Jack Daniels, co-owner of Milwaukee-based Hot Water Products, one of the largest distributors of thermal solar panels in the Midwest, isn’t one to go with the flow. “We’re not waiting for business to come to us,” says Daniels, whose partner, Howard Endres, began selling high-efficiency water heaters and boilers in 1998.
Daniels nudged his partner into the solar panel business three years ago, soon after Daniels became a partner in the company. Solar thermal panels circulate and heat water, an efficient supplement to natural gas or electric systems. Hot water can also be passed through a furnace or boiler to heat a house or business.
Today, the company designs and engineers systems for homes and businesses, and hires contractors for installations. Hot Water Products (HWP) has trained more than 100 contractors to install the panels, and fields three sales technicians who call Wisconsin businesses to talk about going solar.
Business is heating up. HWP sold about $400,000 worth of solar panels last year, and $1 million worth this year. “We only sold three installs in 2006, our first year. In 2007, panel installs were 10% of our total business, and so far in 2008 they are 20%,” Daniels says.
