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Clean Energy Legislative Update • July 2025

One of the biggest happenings in the state legislature in the first half of this year is the passing of the biennial state budget. The original document, 2025 Senate Bill 45, became Wisconsin Act 15. What started at 1,916 pages was whittled down to a mere 195. Below are a few items that might be of interest to the renewable energy industry.

Nuclear Power Siting Study

The Department of Administration has allocated $500,000 from general-purpose revenue for a nuclear power siting study. This stems from a broader initiative by the legislature to evaluate the feasibility of new nuclear development and potential sites in Wisconsin. Originally, a stand-alone bill, the provision was added to the budget. 

Battery Storage

Under general obligations, bonding authority was modified to include battery storage. This effort signals support for the installation and development of battery energy storage systems to enhance grid reliability, integrate renewable energy systems, and improve energy efficiency. 

Electricity Sales Tax Exemption

Under prior law, Wisconsin residents did not have to pay the sales tax on electricity and natural gas during the winter months, from November to April, to ease the cost of energy. The budget bill changes this exemption to apply to all months and reduce electric bills for residential customers during the summer air-conditioning season as well.  For solar installations, this change could simplify the calculation of savings and costs, as the tax would not be collected at all, rather than having different applicability during certain months.

Electric Vehicle Sales Tax

Directs the transfer of anticipated sales tax collection to the general fund. appropriation of about $28 million per year.

Intervenor Financing

The appropriation of financing for intervenors allows the continuation of third-party participation in Public Service Commission (PSC) proceedings, like utility rate cases. The legislator settled on an appropriation of $542,500 annually. The PSC compensation program provides financial assistance to organizations and individuals who choose to intervene on behalf of an affected group in proceedings before the commission. The Governor’s initial budget request aimed to increase this amount.

Energy Efficiency & Focus on Energy

This provides general support for initiatives to improve energy efficiency in state facilities. Allocates $536,300 annually for energy efficiency and renewable resource programs under the PSC.

Office of Clean Energy and Sustainability

There were cuts to the positions in certain offices, including the OSCE. This was not specifically in the passed budget bill, as it occurred in an omnibus motion during the committee process. 

Integrated Resource Planning

The Governor’s original budget proposal included a provision to adopt IRP for state energy planning. This was removed during the initial sweep of non-fiscal items and policy-focused initiatives to fulfil the obligation of keeping primarily financial matters in the budget. IRP would help evaluate the ability of utilities to meet long-term electricity demand and include plans to integrate clean energy sources into their supply portfolios.

The post Clean Energy Legislative Update • July 2025 appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Celebrates Solar Ribbon-Cutting

On Sunday, June 29, the congregation of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church gathered to celebrate a new chapter in the parish’s legacy of service, sustainability, and spiritual care. Their recently completed rooftop array of nearly four dozen panels is expected to offset 100 percent of St. Luke’s energy needs and is a shining example for the community. 

Rooted in the principle of Creation Care for the Earth and climate, St. Luke’s is leading by example with a project that both reduces energy costs and reduces carbon emissions. With renewable, reliable energy flowing from its sanctuary roof, the church hopes to inspire the broader community to make similar sustainable upgrades. 

St. Luke’s was founded in 1870 with a deep commitment to outreach and compassion beyond its own walls. The solar installation, energized in January 2025, furthers that mission as an act of both faith and environmentalism. The 18.63-kilowatt system, installed by Full Spectrum Solar, is projected to yield cost savings that allow the parish to reinvest in outreach programs and community partnerships.

Ribbon-Cutting, Blessings, and Sun-Kissed Celebration

At the celebration, roughly thirty congregants—children, elders, and families—gathered on the lawn to mark the milestone. Fr. Jason Lavann led a prayer themed around the sun and light before blessing the panels. Inside, a reception of cake, coffee, and watermelon welcomed attendees. Tables were adorned with cheerful, sun-printed linens, and the conversations buzzed with energy, not just about the project’s success, but about what might come next. Members chatted excitedly about adding solar to the church’s rectory and explored how they might support solar efforts in their own neighborhoods.

Making It Happen: A Patchwork of Generosity and Grants

Like the stained-glass windows in St. Luke’s sanctuary, the success of the solar project was built from many pieces, each vital to the whole. The $56,270 project was made possible through a blend of local grants, federal incentives, and parishioner generosity.

Key funding sources included:

  • Solar for Good: Through support from the Couillard Solar Foundation and RENEW Wisconsin, this initiative donated $2,453 to help cover the cost of the project. 
  • Elective Pay (Inflation Reduction Act): As a nonprofit, St. Luke’s expects to receive a 30% IRS direct payment in lieu of a tax credit of $16,881 for their clean energy project. 
  • Focus on Energy: Wisconsin’s clean energy incentive program awarded the church $932.
  • Faith in Place: Their Green Energy Assistance Fund (generously funded by Jeffery Jens and Ann Boisclair) granted $8,000 to support installation.
  • Diocese Commission on Creation Care: This Episcopal initiative provided a $1,000 grant to help reduce the church’s carbon footprint.
  • Anonymous Donors: Parishioners contributed a remarkable $26,600, embodying a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and communal resilience.

Patience, Planning, and People

St. Luke was able to achieve their renewable energy dreams with the help of patience, careful planning, and the right people. The rooftop installation faced unexpected delays from their local utility, which pushed the project’s completion from Fall 2024 to January 2025. Fortunately, Full Spectrum Solar kept the church abreast of potential hurdles. 

“This experience certainly taught us patience with things beyond our control, as well as the need to apply pressure at times to keep the project moving forward. Another lesson is to involve people who are genuinely interested, from a variety of backgrounds (financial, engineering, procurement, etc.) as part of a team to oversee the project,” said Sr. Warden David Bernstein.

A Ripple Effect of Hope and Action

The impact of St. Luke’s solar installation extends far beyond energy bills. It has sparked interest in nearby churches, caught the eye of curious neighbors, and stirred conversation in the community.

“The impact of the project goes beyond our parish. Yard signs, installer trucks, and the actual installation process has created a buzz in the neighborhood surrounding our small parish. And, publicity in the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin’s weekly news post has created interest from other parishes,” said Fr. Jason Lavann. 

The momentum isn’t slowing down– with conversations underway about adding solar to the rectory and growing curiosity about broader sustainability initiatives, St. Luke’s is just getting started.

A Brighter Path for Faith and Planet

In a country urgently calling for environmental responsibility and energy sovereignty, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church has responded not only with words but with action. By going solar, the parish honors its faith, serves its community, and helps steward climate action for future generations. As sunlight now powers both sanctuary and spirit, St. Luke’s stands as a radiant example of what’s possible when a community gathers under one roof, energized by faith and the sun alike.

The post St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Celebrates Solar Ribbon-Cutting appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

The Results of Our 2025 Board of Directors Election Are In!

By: Alex Beld

Thank you to all members who voted in our 2025 Board of Directors Election. RENEW Wisconsin’s Board of Directors plays an important role in setting the strategic vision for the organization. All dues-supporting members of RENEW Wisconsin were invited to vote in this year’s Board of Directors election.

This year’s election results include three incumbent board members, Josh Arnold, Mike Barnett, and Lauren Reeg, along with two newly elected board members, Eric Callisto and Mackenzie Mindel. All will soon begin a three-year term, helping us advance renewable energy in Wisconsin.

MEET OUR NEWLY ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS

Eric Callisto

Eric Callisto is an experienced energy regulatory expert with over fifteen years of work in the clean and regulated energy and utility space. He most recently served as a lead partner in the energy practice of a large law firm and previously held key leadership roles as Commissioner, Chairperson, and Chief Operating Officer of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC).

Eric is known for his deep expertise in renewable energy, water, and environmental matters, particularly in the regulation and siting of large-scale projects at the state and local levels. He has represented clients before state public utility commissions, environmental regulators, local utility districts, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), helping secure approval for thousands of megawatts of renewable energy in Wisconsin.

During his time at the PSC, he advanced critical infrastructure projects such as large-scale transmission and wind, and played a key role in shaping energy policy, including expanding the renewable portfolio standard, increasing energy efficiency funding, developing wind siting rules, and addressing climate change.

He has testified before the Wisconsin Legislature and FERC, lobbied Congress on energy legislation, and served as the PSC’s primary liaison to legislators, ratepayer advocates, and environmental groups. Earlier in his career, he served as Assistant Legal Counsel to the Governor of Wisconsin, Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, and Environmental Protection Specialist at the U.S. EPA. He currently serves on the Madison Water Utility Board.

Mackenzie Mindel

“I’m thrilled to join the RENEW Board to support our excellent staff in achieving RENEW’s goals. I look forward to leveraging my perspective as an elected official and my professional experience supporting local governments around the world to further enhance and support RENEW’s mission.”

Mackenzie lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin, with her husband and two young children. She earned her Master of Arts in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership from Edgewood College in Madison in 2018. Elected to the La Crosse Common Council in 2021 and re-elected in 2025, she currently serves as chair of both the Judiciary & Administration Committee and the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee.

Mackenzie co-led the development of the City’s first Climate Action Plan, adopted in 2023, as well as the School District of La Crosse’s first Climate Action Plan, completed in early 2025. Outside of elected office, she is a Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Local Government Leadership Program, where she supports local governments, both in the U.S. and internationally, in advancing their climate action goals and engaging in federal, state, and local policy advocacy.

She has also served two multi-year terms on Wisconsin-based nonprofit boards, helped lead a multi-year capital campaign, and directed a multi-million-dollar fundraising program as a Director of Development for a statewide nonprofit.

RENEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Josh Arnold • Madison, WI
Mike Barnett • Madison, WI
Eric Callisto • Madison, WI
Mike Cornell • Hartland, WI
Samara Hamze • Stevens Point, WI
Tonyisha Harris • Chicago, IL
Alicia Leinberger • Viroqua, WI
Mariah Lynne • Albert Lea, MN
Mackenzie Mindel • La Crosse, WI
Isaiah Ness • Milwaukee, WI
Lauren Reeg • Boulder, CO
Josh Stolzenburg • Wausau, WI
Michael Troge • Seymour, WI
Michael Vickerman • Madison, WI
Ken Walz • Madison, WI

Don Wichert (DIRECTOR EMERITUS/Lifetime/Non-voting) • Madison, WI

Thanks again to all of our members who participated in the election and used your voice to help shape RENEW’s future! And thank you to all candidates who offered their expertise and time to help our organization grow and thrive.

The post The Results of Our 2025 Board of Directors Election Are In! appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

The One Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Future

On July 4, President Trump signed the sprawling and controversial One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)—a massive budget reconciliation package with major implications for renewable energy development nationwide. While the bill is complex, its impacts on solar, storage, manufacturing, and project finance are substantial, and the timelines are tight.

Here’s what Wisconsin’s clean energy developers and businesses need to know, without the fluff.

Construction Start Dates: Get Moving Now

If you’re planning utility-scale solar, wind, or storage projects, start now. Waiting could cost you the federal tax credits that make these projects financially viable.

The bill incentivizes two waves of project starts:

– By December 31, 2025: To avoid the new restrictions on Chinese-made equipment and financing.
– Projects that begin construction by July 4, 2026, will be safe harbored under the old rules and have until the end of 2030 to be placed in service—effectively avoiding the stricter December 31, 2027 deadline.

The IRS has used a flexible standard since 2013 to define “construction start,” but that’s about to change. President Trump issued an executive order on July 7 directing Treasury to tighten the rules. Symbolic gestures like minimal site work or vague contracts likely won’t be enough anymore.

Technology-Neutral Tax Credits (Sections 45Y & 48E)

The OBBB confirms the transition to technology-neutral tax credits, which apply to:

– Zero or negative greenhouse gas emission power projects
– Energy storage (regardless of emissions)

Potential value: 30–70% of project cost, plus bonus credits for domestic content and energy communities.

Key deadline: Solar and wind projects must be in service by December 31, 2027 — unless construction begins before July 4, 2026.

Non-solar and non-wind projects (like geothermal, hydro, and biomass) have until the end of 2033 to start construction at the full credit rate, with step-downs in 2034 and 2035.

FEOC Rules: Chinese Equipment and Financing Under Fire

Beginning in 2026, projects using certain Chinese-made equipment or financing will be ineligible for major federal tax credits.

Exemption: Projects under construction by December 31, 2025.

Developers should begin sourcing alternatives now. Compliance with FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) rules is critical to preserving project economics.

End of the Road for the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit

 Homeowners will no longer be eligible for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. This applies to residential solar PV, battery storage, geothermal heat pumps, and other eligible technologies. Originally set to phase down gradually through 2034, the credit is now scheduled to end abruptly.

Unlike the commercial credit (48), Section 25D only applies to systems that are owned directly by the homeowner—not those installed under a lease or third-party power purchase agreement (PPA). This change hits especially hard in states like Wisconsin, where third-party financing remains legally ambiguous or restricted. Without the 25D credit or clear pathways for leasing, many homeowners could be effectively locked out of affordable clean energy options

What Does “Completed” Mean?

According to IRS and Treasury guidance, a system is only considered “placed in service” when it is fully installed, operational, and legally interconnected. Merely signing a contract, incurring preliminary expenses, pulling permits, or partially installing equipment does not qualify. The system must be fully functional and delivering energy to the grid by December 31, 2025.

While the IRS has historically applied a flexible standard for defining when “construction starts”—allowing for symbolic gestures like minor site work or vague contracts—that’s changing. A July 7 executive order from President Trump directs the Treasury to tighten the rules. Under the new law, substantial expenditure is now being used as the marker of project completion. This means only actual capital outlays toward completed, operational systems will count, raising the bar for what qualifies as “placed in service.”

Can Homeowners Still Use Carryover Credits?

Yes. If a homeowner’s 2025 tax credit exceeds their liability, they can carry over the unused amount into future years.

Example: A $30,000 solar system yields a $9,000 tax credit. If the homeowner’s 2025 tax liability is $6,000, the remaining $3,000 carries forward to 2026.

Action Steps for Installers
– Push to finalize and install projects well before year-end.
– Educate customers about the “placed in service” requirement.
– Help customers understand how carryover works for high-ticket systems.

Battery and Solar Manufacturing (Section 45X): Tightened and Trimmed

Manufacturing credits remain, but are more limited:

– Wind components lose eligibility after 2027.
– Stacking credits is restricted unless components are made domestically and in the same facility.

Eligibility has been expanded for battery modules with essential subcomponents, giving manufacturers more flexibility, provided they localize supply chains.

Legacy Credits: Still Alive, With Limits

Projects under construction before December 31, 2024, can still claim the older Section 45/48 credits. These projects avoid FEOC restrictions and retain favorable timelines for completion.

Note: The permanent 10% ITC under Section 48 has been eliminated.

Depreciation and Direct Pay: Shifting Gears

The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is the primary tax depreciation system used in the U.S. It allows businesses to recover the cost of certain tangible property over a specified number of years through annual tax deductions.

MACRS Depreciation: Projects using tech-neutral credits still get 5-year depreciation. Geothermal projects using legacy credits do not.
– Bonus Depreciation: Restored at 100% for equipment acquired after January 19, 2025.
– Direct Pay: Remains for public entities and select private projects, including carbon capture, hydrogen, and clean tech manufacturing.

Clean Fuels and Carbon Capture

The OBBB makes targeted changes to clean fuel and carbon capture tax credits, tightening eligibility and reshaping project economics:

– Section 45Z: Clean fuel credits extended through 2029. Sustainable airline fuels credit drops to $1/gal in 2026. Feedstocks must be 100% from North America after 2025.
– Section 45Q: Carbon capture credits are now $85/ton for all qualifying uses, but only for new post-enactment projects.

Business Models Must Evolve

Installers, developers, and manufacturers must take decisive steps to adapt:
– Secure construction starts before deadlines.
– Rethink sourcing strategies in light of FEOC restrictions.
– Educate customers on the 25D deadline and maximize installations in 2025.
– Invest in domestic manufacturing and battery assembly capabilities.

Final Takeaway: The Clock Is Ticking

The OBBB is both a challenge and an opportunity. The incentives remain strong, but the rules are tighter, timelines are shorter, and the margin for error is shrinking.

Wisconsin’s clean energy sector must act with urgency, clarity, and discipline. Success in this new landscape will require speed and resilience—the kind built through strong partnerships, local supply chains, and long-term strategic planning.

RENEW Wisconsin can decode the bill’s nuances, support your project pipeline, and keep building momentum toward a resilient energy future.

Need help navigating the changes?

Let’s chart the path forward together—connect with our team to explore how these changes impact your projects and where RENEW Wisconsin can help.

The post The One Big Beautiful Bill: What It Means for Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Future appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Spring 2025 Solar for Good Grant Awards

The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $160,000 in solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for the Spring 2025 grant round. The 15 nonprofits will install 16 projects for a total of 834 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to more than $1.9 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin. 

The grant recipients from the Spring 2025 grant round are a diverse group of organizations, including libraries, nature centers, and houses of worship. Each facility’s solar project will create significant cost savings, allowing them to allocate more funds to their community-focused missions. 

The following organizations have been awarded Spring 2025 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:

Aldo Leopold Nature Center – education/conservation, Monona
Cinnaire Solutions Corporation (Collective on Fourth) – affordable housing, Madison
Whitehall Public Library – library, Whitehall
First Congregational Church, UCC – house of worship, La Crosse
Lakes Country Public Library – library, Lakewood
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center – recreation, Milwaukee
Our Nawakwa Youth Camp – education/conservation, Chippewa Falls
Quasimondo Physical Theatre – arts, Milwaukee
The Bridge to Hope – human services, Menomonie
Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA – house of worship, Arkdale
Urban Ecology Center (Washington Park and Prairie Springs) – education/conservation, Milwaukee
Ontario Public Library – library, Ontario
WestCap – affordable housing, Glenwood City
Wonewoc Public Library – library, Wonewoc

*One organization has asked to remain anonymous.

The Solar for Good initiative supports the expansion of solar power among mission-driven nonprofits and houses of worship across Wisconsin. Through a generous partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to accelerating the transition to decarbonization, RENEW Wisconsin awards solar panels to nonprofit organizations seeking to transition to clean, renewable energy. 

“With generous support for our solar project, Ontario Public Library now has the incredible opportunity to invest more deeply in our community while also making a lasting impact in caring for the sustainability of our finances and our environment.”
– Rachel Conner, Library Director of Ontario Public Library

Since 2017, Solar for Good has awarded grants to over 230 nonprofits throughout Wisconsin, resulting in nearly $30 million in renewable energy investments. Collectively, these grant recipients are on track to install more than 10 megawatts of solar energy.

“Thanks to the Solar for Good program and the Couillard Solar Foundation, Our Nawakwa is proud to be moving forward with solar energy at Camp Nawakwa. We are especially grateful to the Chippewa Falls High School Green Team for their hard work, knowledge, enthusiasm, and advocacy. Together, this partnership strengthens our ability to provide environmental education, develop leadership skills, and promote wellness, ensuring Nawakwa’s legacy for generations to come.”
 – Sherry Jasper, Board President of Our Nawakwa, Inc.

With the help of Solar for Good grants, 16 new installations will advance Wisconsin’s transition to solar energy, promoting environmental stewardship and long-term energy savings. Looking ahead, the program remains dedicated to empowering community-centered nonprofits across Wisconsin—helping them make a positive environmental impact, promote economic growth, and better serve the people who depend on them.

“This opportunity through Solar for Good will make a huge impact. It reduces our carbon footprint, increases local air quality, and will provide cost savings to our small arts non-profit, ensuring our ability to serve our community.”
– Brian Rott, Artistic Director of Quasimondo Physical Theatre

RENEW Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization, works to advance renewable energy in the state through advocacy and support for solar power, wind energy, renewable fuels, local hydropower, electric vehicles, building electrification, and energy storage.

Many of the participating nonprofits are also benefiting from the federal direct pay provision—an important element of the Inflation Reduction Act. This policy allows tax-exempt entities to receive clean energy tax credits as upfront payments. For many organizations, this critical funding has made solar investments possible for the first time. In fact, for several of the projects highlighted here, direct pay played a crucial role in closing funding gaps and turning long-held clean energy goals into reality. Without it, many of these installations would not have been feasible.

The post Spring 2025 Solar for Good Grant Awards appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

U.S. House Passes HR 1

Today, the U.S. House passed a reconciliation bill eliminating key clean energy tax credits. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. This is a serious challenge for our industry, especially residential solar and small businesses.

Thanks to pressure from clean energy champions, the Senate version softened some of the most harmful provisions. It removed the proposed excise tax on wind and solar, dropped FEOC restrictions that would have penalized projects using certain foreign components, and extended eligibility for commercial and utility-scale projects that begin construction within a year of enactment through 2027. But the Section 25D tax credit is now set to expire on December 31, 2025, with residential projects losing eligibility for any expenditures made after that date. That puts real pressure on small clean energy businesses to adjust planning and project timelines.

It is disappointing to see Congress roll back what was once bipartisan common sense. Since 2005, clean energy tax credits have helped families lower energy bills, driven innovation, and supported hundreds of thousands of jobs. Reversing that support now risks slowing the momentum we have built together.

Installers will face pressure to adjust pipelines to meet an unusually short timeline. Developers may need to reassess projects they can no longer bring online before the new deadline. The result may be fewer jobs, fewer local investments, and reduced progress at a time when clean energy leadership is urgently needed.

Still, I am hopeful.

Over the past eight years, I’ve seen clean energy businesses across Wisconsin grow exponentially. I’ve watched electricians, designers, sales teams, and service professionals build lasting careers and deepen their roots in Wisconsin communities. Federal incentives helped lay the foundation, but they did not create the deep commitment we see today. That credit belongs to all of you and the lasting impact of your work across the state. I am disappointed by this decision, but my belief in this community has not wavered. This industry has weathered tariffs, shifting political winds, and policy uncertainty before and has come back stronger every time.

RENEW is ready to support you through this next chapter. We will continue to advocate for state and local policies that strengthen the business case for renewables. We will work to remove barriers to clean energy access, elevate your success stories, and help businesses adapt to the new federal landscape. Because we still believe that clean energy is the best way to build a healthy, thriving Wisconsin.

I encourage you all to take some time this weekend to rest and recharge. Next week, we’ll begin digging into the legislation and planning for the days, weeks, and years ahead.

The post U.S. House Passes HR 1 appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

“Imagine, Create, and Renew”: Green Bay Church Uses Clean Energy to Put Faith in Action

On June 8, 2025, Union Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Green Bay celebrated the completion of an 18.06-kilowatt solar installation that will supply approximately 20 percent of the church’s electricity needs—an inspiring example of how faith, sustainability, and community intersect. Over 100 church members gathered to admire the 42 panels shining on the rooftop of their historic church building—a physical embodiment of the congregation’s commitment to caring for the planet and their community.

A Vision Realized: The Solar Dedication Ceremony

The solar dedication event was a heartfelt celebration of values in motion. Leading the dedication ceremony was Rev. Bridget Flad Daniels, who reminded the congregation of the project’s vision first set into motion three years earlier.

“Three years ago, we dared to dream boldly,” Daniels said. “We launched a capital campaign not just to improve our building, but to align it with our values—to care for creation, to walk more gently on this sacred earth, and to shine God’s light in a new way. Today, we stand in the light of that vision realized. This solar installation is more than an energy solution— it is a testimony of faith, justice, and community. It is the fruit of commitment, generosity, and love.”

In collaboration with Eland Electric, the congregation took great care in planning and installing the solar array on their historic church. Given its age and location in a designated historic neighborhood, the project required thorough research and congregational approval to ensure alignment with preservation standards and congregational values. With guidance and support from several partners, including the West Side Moravian Church, whose own solar installation provided both precedent and inspiration. Union UCC ensured that every aspect of the project aligned with their values and the integrity of their historic building.

This investment is part of a broader commitment to sustainability. Over the years, the church has upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting and modernized its boiler system. The solar project adds a powerful new dimension to their efforts, reducing reliance on coal-fired power from the local utility while also delivering long-term energy cost savings.

Powered by Partnership: Funding the Vision

A project of this scale and ambition was made possible through community support and strategic funding. The church’s Capital Campaign earmarked $31,000 for the project, but thanks to grants and tax credits, the actual costs will likely come in under budget. Key funding sources included:

Historically, nonprofit organizations like Union UCC were excluded from federal clean energy tax credits because they don’t pay taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provision now allows tax-exempt entities to receive tax credits as refundable payments, effectively putting cash in hand to support renewable energy investments.

For Union UCC, direct pay was instrumental in bridging the financial gap between vision and reality. This tax provision allowed the church to take meaningful climate action without sacrificing resources needed for their core programs. This policy shift represents a new era for nonprofits across the country, offering a long-overdue opportunity to invest in renewable energy. However, recent federal budget reconciliation efforts threaten the clean energy tax credits and direct pay provision that made Union UCC’s renewable energy project possible.

Lighting the Way Forward

The rooftop solar array is a reflection of Union UCC’s commitment to living its values. As they reduce their carbon footprint, the church also strengthens its capacity to serve the community. Savings on energy costs will be reinvested in operations, youth programs, and outreach efforts that uplift those in need.

“We may even see our electric meter run backwards on clear, low-usage summer days… In our small way, by reducing our reliance on coal, we are being better stewards of the precious earth God gave us,” Union UCC member Achim Seifert said.

From the rooftop panels catching sunlight to the warm words spoken at the dedication, this project is a testament to the power of collective vision, favorable clean energy policy, and aligned values. It shows what’s possible when a community dares to dream—and follows through with action grounded in stewardship and faith.

The post “Imagine, Create, and Renew”: Green Bay Church Uses Clean Energy to Put Faith in Action appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Clean Energy Legislative Update • June 2025

After the shock of earlier executive orders had somewhat subsided, we were lulled by the notion that “only Congress can change the tax code,” and then, it happened. Congress began its work on a reconciliation bill, parts of which would effectively pull the rug from under the solar industry.

But we’re not letting it happen without a fight.

RENEW Wisconsin, like many other organizations, is sharing action alerts and urging members of the industry and the public to contact their members of Congress. The effort is meant to bring the harsh reality into view, so policymakers can understand that gutting the programs and repealing these tax credits immediately will have devastating effects. These effects will be felt by real people, businesses, and local energy production.

Many of our partner organizations, like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), have organized webinars and call-ins to keep industry participants informed and involved. In-district meetings and a fly-in to D.C. have been organized to meet with elected representatives and advise them on a different course of action.

When the distressing contents of the House bill were voted on and the bill moved to the Senate, a determined group of RENEW Wisconsin members scheduled a meeting with Senator Ron Johnson’s chief of staff.  I, along with Michael Cornell from Ach Solar, Ron Chester from Full Spectrum, Kurt Reinhold from Legacy Solar Co-op, and Michael Reuter from Midwest Solar Power, met with Tom Petri in the Madison district office. The main message conveyed was “don’t pull the rug” out from under our businesses, replicating the same term Senator Johnson used during a recent media interview. During that interview, Johnson indicated he did not want to hurt business.

But there was more — the specific examples relayed to Johnson’s team highlighted how the tax credit helps with the upfront cost of projects and allows nonprofits, farmers, and homeowners to take advantage of solar power and reduce their energy bills. We shared how manufacturing has just started to ramp up and has begun producing materials in the U.S. to help boost local energy production. We also explained that deploying solar is faster, cheaper, and if partnered with battery storage, incredibly reliable.

The tax incentives supporting the industry were not expected to last forever, but the abrupt end to them will impact projects, eliminate prior investment, cut jobs, and delay future development. This affects homeowners, developers, installers, manufacturers, and much more.

While we await final action by the Senate, followed by some form of compromise with the House, we’re tracking developments and urging people to advocate for the industry.

There is a way to phase out the credits, with an intentional transition, without disrupting the established progress. For that, Congress needs to hear from the industry and make the needed changes.

Contact your representatives today!

The post Clean Energy Legislative Update • June 2025 appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Action Alert: Show Your Support for Whitewater Solar

By: Alex Beld

Public comments are now open for Whitewater Solar, a 180-megawatt solar project in Jefferson and Walworth Counties. The project is seeking approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), and your voice can make a difference. This is your chance to tell the PSC why you support expanding solar energy in Wisconsin. The public comment period is open now through July 11.

By showing your support for Whitewater Solar, you’re helping to advocate for:

  • Economic Growth: Whitewater Solar will create hundreds of jobs during construction as well as good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions. It will also produce affordable and reliable clean energy for Wisconsin residents. It is expected that this project will produce $259 million in additional economic activity in Wisconsin.
  • Community Benefits: Once in service, Whitewater Solar will contribute more than $900,000 in utility-aid payments each year. These payments will go to Jefferson and Walworth Counties, the City of Whitewater, and the Towns of Whitewater and LaGrange. Utility-aid payments are often used to fix roads and support local municipal services, all without creating an additional tax burden for residents.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Whitewater Solar has undergone thorough environmental studies to minimize impact. It will contribute to cleaner air and water and support a healthier Wisconsin. In our testimony to the PSC, we estimate that the Whitewater Solar will displace fossil fuel generation and avoid over 293,000 tons of CO2 in the first year of operations alone.

Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Whitewater Solar. You can use the key points listed above to help craft your own unique message.

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Heartland Farm Sanctuary Celebrates a Bright New Chapter

On Friday, May 23, 2025, members of the Heartland Farm Sanctuary community gathered at their pastoral property in Stoughton, Wisconsin, to celebrate a milestone moment—the completion of a 50.22-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar energy project that will help the nonprofit bridge compassion for animals with care for the planet.

This installation, spread across three rooftops at the sanctuary, is expected to produce over 60,000 kW-hours of clean electricity each year, offsetting about 62 percent of the organization’s annual electricity use. More than just a reduction in emissions, the solar project embodies Heartland’s mission to inspire compassion for animals, the earth, and each other. 

A Sanctuary Rooted in Compassion and Sustainability

For 15 years, Heartland Farm Sanctuary has offered a safe, welcoming space where people and rescued farm animals come together to experience growth, healing, and connection. The sanctuary provides high-quality, specialized care for animals recovering from abuse and neglect, offers inclusive humane education for learners of all ages, and facilitates experiential therapy.

By embracing solar power, the sanctuary is modeling the type of sustainability and care for the planet it teaches through its programming. It’s a powerful example of how organizations can use clean energy to put their core values into action.

“Going solar not only helps us greatly reduce our Scope 2 emissions but also serves as a tangible means of inspiring action by Heartland’s visitors, program participants, volunteers, and donors,” said Heartland board member Eric Sundquist at the ribbon-cutting event.

A Community Effort to Power a Compassionate Mission

The ribbon-cutting event brought together an array of partners, supporters, and advocates. Heartland Executive Director Jen Korz opened the ceremony with words of gratitude for the many hands that helped bring the project to life. She was joined by Sydnie Zimmerman, Heartland’s Development Specialist; Deiter Dettling, Project Manager at Full Spectrum Solar, who installed the system; and Jackie Harrison-Jewell, Executive Director of the Couillard Solar Foundation.

The project was made possible by a mix of creative financing, generous grants, and community support. Heartland financed the bulk of the $87,192 cost through Legacy Solar Co-op, with additional funding from a Focus on Energy rebate and a forthcoming clean energy tax credit, made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Direct Pay provision. Legacy Solar Co-op also provided a bridge loan, the cost of which is being covered by two committed donors.

Thanks to the Solar for Good program, Heartland received 46 solar panels—a contribution valued at $11,178. Solar for Good, a program of the Couillard Solar Foundation administered by RENEW Wisconsin, supports mission-driven nonprofits across the state in transitioning to renewable energy.

Investing in Impact: From Energy Savings to Animal Care

The solar installation is projected to save Heartland over $8,000 annually—funds that will be redirected into the organization’s life-changing programs. These savings will help support:

  • Farm Animal Rescue & Care: Heartland is nationally recognized for its expertise in providing lifelong rehabilitative care for farm animals who’ve experienced trauma and neglect.
  • Humane Education: Through camps, classes, field trips, and clubs, Heartland empowers learners to become advocates for people, animals, and the planet.
  • Experiential Therapy: Using nature, animal interaction, and evidence-based practices, Heartland provides therapeutic experiences tailored to each participant’s needs.

With more resources flowing into these programs, the sanctuary can expand its reach and deepen its impact, proving that sustainability and mission-driven work are compatible and can reinforce each other.

Looking Ahead: Building a Brighter, Greener Future

Heartland’s solar installation is just one piece of a larger vision for environmental stewardship. The sanctuary installed its solar arrays on a recently constructed barn with extra insulation to reduce heating needs. As part of ongoing decarbonization efforts, they plan to install a heat pump to serve the unfinished portion of the barn and assist with heating currently provided by propane. They’re also undertaking an emissions inventory, with an eye toward full decarbonization in the future.

These actions are grounded in Heartland’s sustainability commitment: to honor ancestral Ho-Chunk land, conserve biodiversity, and engage in practices that benefit all beings—human and non-human alike.

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Solar Power Brings Energy Savings to Edgerton Seniors

On May 21, the community of Edgerton, Wisconsin, came together for a renovation celebration at Edgerton Retirement Apartments (ERA). This event, half a decade in the making, marked both the completion of a construction project and a turning point in how this rural nonprofit cares for its residents and the planet.

With balloons, speeches, and a palpable sense of pride, the event commemorated the energization of a new 44.5-kilowatt solar array—one of many upgrades made possible through an innovative blend of clean energy funding, community partnerships, and a commitment to equity and sustainability.

The celebration drew a crowd of residents, supporters, and clean energy advocates. Among the attendees were Edgerton Mayor Christopher Lund, Paul Schechter, Executive Director of Sunny Side Development; Sam Dunaiski, Executive Director of RENEW Wisconsin; and Cal Couillard, Founder of the Couillard Solar Foundation.

Clean Energy for Comfort and Affordability

Nestled in the heart of Edgerton, ERA is a 24-unit housing complex built in 1983 to serve low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The property keeps rents affordable for low-income individuals, offering a safe, welcoming place to live in community with one another. Originally developed with Rural Development funding on land donated by a local hospital, ERA has long embodied the spirit of community care and resource-sharing.

The vision for transformation began as a way to overcome the challenges of rising energy costs and aging infrastructure. The new rooftop solar installation, installed and energized by Midwest Solar Power on May 21, is mounted on the south-facing roof of ERA’s eastern housing cluster. The 44.5-kilowatt array is expected to produce 54,918 kilowatt-hours annually, covering approximately 39 percent of the building’s total electricity needs.

The solar panels are paired with a new geothermal heat pump HVAC system that will replace the outdated electric resistance heating system. Together, these improvements will significantly reduce energy consumption while shifting most of the electric load to a single meter. The utility savings will be passed directly to ERA’s residents. 

Powered by Partnership: Making Solar Possible

The ERA solar project was made possible through a unique mix of grants, tax credit equity, and philanthropic support. The Solar for Good Program, an initiative of the Couillard Solar Foundation administered by RENEW Wisconsin, donated 41 solar panels, roughly half of what was needed, valued at over $9,000. 

Sunny Side Development collaborated with Edgerton’s long-time property managers, Broihahn Management and Consulting, to secure additional funding from Rock County HOME, FHLBank Chicago’s Affordable Housing Program, and the USDA Rural Development Program. The project also leveraged tax credit equity, a key tool for bringing clean energy projects to nonprofits and affordable housing developments. These partnerships brought solar within reach for ERA and ensured that the benefits of clean energy would go directly to the people who can most benefit from them.

Beyond Solar: A Holistic Approach to Building Sustainability

The solar installation was just one piece of a comprehensive rehabilitation effort at ERA. All 24 units received health and safety upgrades, enhanced ADA accessibility, and the installation of the new geothermal HVAC system. Together, these changes modernize the property while supporting the long-term sustainability of affordable housing in Edgerton.

Just weeks before the event, a hailstorm had pelted Rock and Dane counties with golf ball-sized ice, damaging roofs across the region. But ERA’s new solar array was unscathed, and the sturdy panels even protected a portion of the roof from more extensive damage—a surprising and welcome side benefit. Project leaders and electricians alike were excited to know that the array will simultaneously decrease residents’ energy bills and shield the covered portion of the roof from inclement weather. 

A Model for Energy Justice and Community Care

With the success of the solar installation, Edgerton Retirement Apartments has become a model for how rural communities can be an integral part of the clean energy transition. For nonprofit housing providers, solar is a way to live out their mission of service in a rapidly changing world. For the broader community, it’s a powerful example of what’s possible when compassion and innovation come together. Edgerton Retirement Apartments now shines brighter—not only because of the solar panels on the roof, but because of the community-wide commitment to a cleaner, more equitable future.

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Celebrating Solar Power, Community, and Sustainability

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, community members, nonprofit partners, and renewable energy advocates gathered at the Forest Edge Apartments in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, to celebrate a milestone years in the making: the official ribbon-cutting of a 120-kilowatt solar energy system atop the Forest Edge Multi-Family Housing Project. Spearheaded by Cinnaire Solutions Corporation, this solar project exemplifies the organization’s mission of advancing people- and place-centered housing while reducing carbon emissions and stands as a powerful testament to what’s possible when community, design, and sustainability come together.

People and Place at the Heart of Forest Edge

Cinnaire Solutions Corporation has long been a trusted nonprofit partner for development clients across the Upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. With an unwavering commitment to the people they serve and the places they transform, Cinnaire’s developments like Forest Edge aim to create dignified, sustainable, and welcoming housing for all. 

More than just housing, Forest Edge provides a vital resource for the Lac du Flambeau community, offering units tailored for veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families. The property includes a classroom space intended for job training and educational programming to create countless opportunities for community members. 

Solar on the Rooftop: A Vision Realized

Now, with 222 solar panels installed across the rooftops of the Forest Edge Apartments and the community Clubhouse, the development is bringing its vision to life, powered by clean, renewable energy.

From the very beginning, sustainability was central to Forest Edge’s design. The development is on track to meet the Wisconsin Green Built Home Standard, with energy-efficient features such as high-performance air-source heat pumps, strategically designed electric metering, and other thoughtful design elements.

The 120-kilowatt solar system, installed by Eland Electric, includes five rooftop arrays and was designed to maximize output and long-term performance. Thanks to integrated electrical conduits and reinforced roof structures, the site was ready for solar installation from the start. The system is expected to offset up to 64 percent of the residential building’s heat pump usage and approximately 85–90 percent of the Clubhouse’s electricity use, bringing significant environmental and economic benefits to the community.

This commitment to high-performance design means that, in addition to immediate energy savings, Forest Edge will enjoy reduced long-term utility costs. These savings will be reinvested in tenant services, improved building maintenance, and potentially lower rents—direct benefits that ripple out to the Lac du Flambeau community. 

Celebrating a Community-Powered Effort

The Forest Edge solar project was made possible by Solar for Good, a grant program funded and founded by the Couillard Solar Foundation and managed by RENEW Wisconsin.This initiative supports Wisconsin-based nonprofits with transitioning to clean energy by awarding solar panel grants. As part of the program, Forest Edge received 172 solar panels—an in-kind contribution that significantly reduced installation costs and made the project financially feasible. This grant was pivotal for Cinnaire Solutions, which views energy efficiency and environmental stewardship as essential to its mission.

The ribbon-cutting celebration drew partners, supporters, and local residents to honor the collaborative effort behind this impactful project. Cal and Laurie Couillard from the Couillard Solar Foundation were delighted to be in attendance and see the mission of their Solar For Good program realized. Kevin McDonell, Vice President & Regional Project Partner of Lincoln Avenue Communities, gave the Couillards and other celebration attendees a spirited tour of his newest project. Together, they reflected on the transformative power of collaboration and community-driven sustainability initiatives.

In a speech to Forest Edge’s project leaders, Cal said, “I heard Carla Vigue, the Director of Tribal Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, speak a few weeks ago.  She mentioned that the native people have a seven-generation thought process. Many people I talk to think seven minutes into the future, not seven generations! Not the kind of thinking we need for the kinds of problems we are facing now. [Laurie and I] came to thank you for what you’ve done and what you’re doing. This building project gives me hope.”

A Beacon for Clean Energy and Community

As the ceremonial ribbon was cut and the panels officially energized, it was clear this moment marked far more than the start of solar power at Forest Edge. It symbolized a shared commitment to justice, resilience, and hope. Future plans for Forest Edge may include expanded sustainability programming, more community partnerships, and additional onsite amenities that reflect Cinnaire’s people-first approach. 

By harnessing the sun to lower energy costs and reduce carbon emissions, Forest Edge stands as a model for nonprofit-led development that’s intuitive, sustainable, and human. As more communities look to clean energy to build a better future, Forest Edge serves as an example of what’s possible when mission, innovation, and community are centered in design.

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Action Alert: Support More Wind Energy in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s first 100+ megawatt (MW) wind energy project in more than a decade is seeking approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC). Badger Hollow Wind has been in development for nearly 10 years, and if approved, it would mark a major step forward in Wisconsin’s energy future. The PSC is accepting public comments on this project now through June 26.

This is your chance to tell the PSC why you support the approval of more wind energy in Wisconsin! Badger Hollow Wind isn’t just about the energy it will produce. The 118 MW facility in Iowa and Grant Counties has many benefits:

  • Economic Growth: Badger Hollow Wind will create hundreds of jobs during construction as well as good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions. It will also produce affordable and reliable clean energy for Wisconsin residents. It is expected that this project will produce $3.2 million in additional economic activity in Wisconsin.

  • Community Benefits: The Badger Hollow Wind developer, Invenergy, has been a good community partner, supporting student programs at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and schools in Iowa and Grant Counties. They’ve also donated to local emergency services and food banks, and more. Once in service, Badger Hollow Wind will contribute more than $500,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $300,000 of this will go to Grant and Iowa Counties, and over $200,000 of this will go to the towns of Clifton, Eden, Linden, Mifflin, and Wingville.

  • Landowner Engagement: Invenergy is a good partner to landowners, respecting their property rights and regularly checking in with them to ensure their relationships are positive. Payments to landowners help farmers directly, but Invenergy goes the extra mile by building access roads to turbines that farmers can use for their operations.

  • Environmental Responsibility: Badger Hollow Wind has undergone thorough environmental studies to minimize impact. It will contribute to cleaner air and water and support a healthier Wisconsin. RENEW’s witness estimated that the Badger Hollow Wind will displace fossil fuel generation and avoid over 250,000 tons of CO2 in the first year of operations alone.

Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Badger Hollow Wind. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.

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Changes to RENEW Wisconsin’s Leadership

Earlier this month, Executive Director Sam Dunaiski informed the RENEW Board and staff that he has decided to step away from the organization to make way for new leadership to guide RENEW’s next chapter. We appreciate the careful thought that went into this decision and are grateful for Sam’s years of service to the organization, as well as his steadfast support of the renewable energy industry.

Sam remains a passionate supporter of RENEW and our mission, and he is working with staff and the RENEW Board to ensure we are positioned for success in the coming months. Transitions bring change and also create space for new opportunities. Our team remains committed to advancing renewable energy across the state, and we are strategically preparing to meet the challenges and seize the potential of tomorrow.

Sam’s last day with RENEW will be Friday, June 6. To maintain operational stability, RENEW’s Deputy Director, Jodi Jean Amble, will serve as Interim Executive Director while the Board and staff work to identify RENEW’s next leader.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
RENEW Wisconsin

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Clean Energy Is the Solution to Our Growing Energy Demand

By: Alex Beld

A recently published report by the Center for Energy & Environmental Analysis, “Drill More, Pay More – America’s New Energy Paradigm,” indicates the U.S. is facing a unique energy situation characterized by both rising domestic energy prices and increased energy production. Wholesale natural gas prices in the U.S. have increased 93 percent in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year, despite record-high natural gas production.

At the same time, we have reports on clean energy that show us (Achieving 100% Clean Energy in Wisconsin Report and the companion report The Economic Impacts of Decarbonization in Wisconsin), we don’t just know that Wisconsin can achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 — we know how to do it. All while maintaining reliability and affordability for consumers. These reports emphasize that most of the projected energy demand through 2050 can be met with the development of more renewables, enhanced energy efficiency, and more flexible energy load management solutions.

We’re now past the point of advocating for clean energy solely because it’s better for the planet. As our energy needs grow, driven by electrification and data demand, it’s critical to invest in solutions that can be brought online quickly and affordably. Methane gas can no longer guarantee the consistent, low prices it once did. In contrast, renewable energy projects like solar and wind can typically be built in about two years, while gas plants often take twice as long to become operational. Supply chain issues and tariff uncertainties are increasing construction times and costs across all sectors, but renewable energy projects can still be constructed more quickly while avoiding the fuel price volatility associated with fossil fuels. With timelines and costs both working against gas, it’s simply not smart business to keep investing in slower, more expensive options when faster, more reliable solutions are within reach.

Utilities across the country continue to tell regulatory bodies and the general public that we can only meet the rising energy demands caused by new data centers with methane gas plants. However, national case studies from companies like Meta and Microsoft have demonstrated that clean energy solutions can meet data center needs when paired with smart load shifting and grid integration. Microsoft, for example, is piloting hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to fossil fuel backup, while Meta has partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority to run its Tennessee data center on 800 MW of solar power. These examples show us that there are multiple ways for us to power the digital economy, notably, without fossil fuels.

Even with clean energy opportunities before us, and financial and supply chain barriers to building new methane gas plants, we continue to see utilities propose new natural gas-powered electricity generation. An energy source, which according to analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy, is likely to have three cumulative impacts on consumers: higher natural gas bills, higher electricity bills, and even a higher cost of goods from U.S. manufacturers.

By supporting clean energy solutions, energy efficiency measures, and creative management of our grid, we can reliably support the around-the-clock energy needs of data centers and the needs of everyday Wisconsinites. To ignore these solutions is to ignore good business sense. It is time to recognize that clean energy isn’t an alternative but a practical solution to our growing energy demand.

Action Alert: Tell Legislators Clean Energy Benefits All Americans

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed its version of H.R. 1, the reconciliation package, by a slim majority. The bill now moves to the Senate, where we have another opportunity to advocate for and protect clean energy.

Solar and storage are an American success story, supporting thousands of good jobs, millions in energy savings, and a surging manufacturing sector. However, Congress is considering cutting policies that support this success, threatening billions invested in our communities. This includes harsh restrictions on tax credits while gutting others, or quickly phasing them out.

As it stands, the legislation before Congress falls short of the policies necessary to help the U.S. meet its growing energy demand, create jobs, and continue the successful build-out of the solar and storage supply chain here in the U.S.

We invite you to join us in this effort and urge Congress to defend American energy incentives and protect the economic engine that clean energy has created. In the last two years, American solar and storage have surged. In that time, American-made solar module manufacturing has grown six times.

Solar installations can now provide enough homegrown energy to power more than 40 million homes. This expanding industry also means jobs that pay people well. The solar and storage industry already supports over 280,000 good jobs, many of them right here in Wisconsin.

We already know that solar energy is affordable, abundant, and easy to deploy. So, as America works to meet the rising energy demands of AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing, clean energy and energy storage are critical to keeping energy bills in check and maintaining our economic competitiveness.

This is a critical moment, and we cannot afford to slow our progress now. We need to double down on clean energy for our economy, our communities, and our children.

Tell your representative to protect American solar and energy storage!

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RENEW Submits Testimony Supporting Fair Net Metering Policy in Northwestern Wisconsin

By: Alex Beld

On May 14, the RENEW Wisconsin policy team submitted testimony calling for no change to how Rice Lake Utilities (RLU) compensates customers for the solar energy they produce. This testimony is in opposition to what RLU has suggested for their net energy metering (NEM) policy, which would be a reduction in compensation for solar customers.

In this case, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) will consider a NEM formula for systems at 20 kilowatts (kW) and below, and a formula for systems between 20 and 100 kW. Systems that are 20 kW or below are typically residential rooftop arrays, whereas the larger ones are often on businesses or municipal buildings. RLU currently has three customers with systems above 20 kW, all of which are schools.

Although Rice Lake Utilities is a smaller utility in northwestern Wisconsin and does not have many customers with solar, what they have proposed could change the precedent at the PSC. RENEW has decided to intervene and provide testimony to prevent the potential for statewide changes to NEM policy.

RENEW’s policy team provided evidence to the PSC in support of maintaining the status quo for both larger and smaller solar systems. We also shared potential alternatives for how RLU could transition away from the status quo should the PSC decide to allow a change to NEM benefits. These alternatives are more in line with how utility-avoided costs for Wisconsin utilities are calculated.

Utility-avoided costs are the cost an electric utility pays to generate or purchase power. This could be described as — an avoided expense that a utility would have paid by generating themselves or purchasing it from a third party, had it not come from the customer’s solar array.

RENEW feels that before the PSC decides this case, they should consider the future of municipally-owned utility payment structures for NEM. RLU’s net monthly excess generation formula for NEM currently points to their base cost of power as its avoided cost reference, and that reference remains financially viable for RLU, as well as most Wisconsin utilities. With that in mind, we are concerned that the PSC’s decision in this case might set a precedent for other similar cases.

RENEW is hopeful that the PSC will agree that it is best to leave the current NEM pay structures in place until their Value of Solar Study and NEM investigation concludes.

Next Steps for RENEW

The RLU case is ongoing, and RENEW will have the opportunity to submit rebuttal testimony and participate in a party hearing this June. We will continue to advocate for fair payments to utility customers with solar arrays. There will also be an opportunity for the public to comment on the case before a decision from the PSC in July.

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How a Fourth-Generation Wisconsin Cranberry Farm Electrified Its Operations to Power Family Traditions

Nestled among the lakes and forests of the Northwoods, Bartling’s Manitowish Cranberry Co. has been cultivating cranberries for over 75 years. While the fourth-generation, family-owned farm is rooted in tradition, brothers and co-owners Steven and David Bartling often look to the future. Their most recent venture was to replace aging diesel-powered irrigation pumps with clean, energy-efficient electric systems, supported in large part by federal grants available to farmers and rural business owners. 

Our farm mindset is to make our farm better for the next generation, and this project will definitely help us achieve our mission,” said David Bartling.

Brothers and co-owners David (left) and Steven (right) Bartling are proud to be fourth-generation farmers in Wisconsin, the leading cranberry-producing state in the US. Source: Bartling’s Manitowish Cranberry Co.

For the Bartlings, sustainability is a long-standing family value. “It is second nature to us—we don’t really think about it. Our vision is to cherish who we are and where we came from, and the land and water around us,” said Bartling.

With over 180 acres of cranberry beds and another 200 acres of support land, Manitowish Cranberry Co. harvests between 4 and 7 million pounds of cranberries each year. Operating at this scale requires a significant amount of energy, especially when it comes to irrigation.

To modernize their irrigation infrastructure, the Bartlings replaced nine of their 12 diesel irrigation and anti-frost pumps with electric pumps—machines that are 98% efficient, about 12% more efficient than their diesel predecessors. These new pumps drastically reduce the farm’s reliance on fossil fuels, eliminate the need for large diesel deliveries, and reduce harmful carbon emissions that can degrade the local air and water quality.

Funding for Electrification: REAP and EQIP

While the environmental benefits of electrification were compelling on their own, the available financial incentives turned the Bartlings’ idea into reality. Manitowish Cranberry Co. received a $68,000 grant from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a USDA initiative funded through the Inflation Reduction Act that offers funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses looking to invest in renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. The grant covered 25% of the cost of their electric irrigation pump system.

 “Like most projects, the cost exceeded our planned budget, but the REAP grant helped bring the cost down,” Bartling reflected.

In addition to REAP, the Bartlings also used the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), another USDA-backed initiative that provides technical and financial support to help farmers adopt conservation practices. Through EQIP, they were able to fund additional upgrades and improve overall irrigation efficiency.

Despite having never applied for a grant, the Bartlings took a proactive approach. They started by researching potential funding sources online and reached out to grant writers to help them navigate the application process.

“[The grant writer] did a lot of the legwork of the application, so I didn’t have to learn those details on top of the project,” said Bartling. “Their fee was very minimal for the total amount received.” 

The success of their first grant experience with REAP has inspired them to encourage other farmers to do the same.

Development and Installation

The transition from diesel to electric went smoothly and began with a clear vision and the right partners in Spring 2021. “This project took a lot of planning and ambition, from taking a couple of years to bring in power lines, to installing sheet piling and concrete for the pump station, and finally installing the pumps and extending the mainlines to the existing irrigation system,” said Bartling.

One of the biggest logistical hurdles was the 19-month wait to receive key electrical components for the project. Once they had all the needed parts, the Bartlings used their in-house technical expertise to complete the installation themselves. Because the project was relatively small in scale, there was no need for town or county-level involvement.

Tangible Financial and Operational Benefits

Investing in electrification has already begun to pay off. From a financial standpoint, the Bartlings have significantly reduced their fuel costs and are saving money by operating their electric pumps during off-peak evening hours when electricity rates are lower.

Operationally, the new system is far easier to maintain. Unlike their diesel counterparts, the electric pumps don’t require frequent, technical repairs, and the Bartlings can complete most of the maintenance themselves. The pumps are also remotely controlled via a mobile app, allowing the brothers to monitor and adjust irrigation settings without traveling across the entire property. This time-saving upgrade allows them to focus on other aspects of their business.

Advice to Other Farmers: Start the Conversation

The Bartlings plan to continue exploring ways to electrify and modernize their operations, always with an eye toward sustainability, efficiency, and family legacy. For farmers considering electrification or a shift to renewable energy, Bartling suggests connecting with others who have already completed similar projects. Learning from their experiences can make the process more manageable, and Bartling is open to being a resource himself.

He concluded, “I have no regrets—I absolutely enjoyed the project and would do it again if we had the opportunity.”

To learn more from the Bartlings’ experience, email David at davidjbartling@gmail.com.

For more information on REAP and other federal renewable energy and electrification funding programs, please reach out to info@renewwisconsin.org.

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RENEW Wisconsin Recommends Next Steps in Value of Solar Study

On Wednesday, RENEW Wisconsin’s Policy team submitted comments to the Public Service Commission (PSC) in response to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s (LBNL) review of the Value of Solar Studies (VoSS). These comments represent a critical step toward shaping the future of solar energy in Wisconsin, with several organizations, including 350.org, the Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, Northwind Solar, and Appleton Solar, joining RENEW in support of these recommendations. Other organizations and utilities also submitted separate comments.

The context for this study and the review stems from rate case proceedings in the fall of 2023 involving Alliant Energy and Madison Gas & Electric (MGE). These rate cases included proposals to reduce or eliminate the current Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies for solar customers in these two utility territories. If approved, such changes would have reduced the financial benefits for consumers with solar arrays at their homes or businesses. These proposals were ultimately rejected by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), and the Commission agreed to gather more information in a separate statewide investigatory docket. Last year, the PSC began working with Berkeley Lab and other national lab staff on a VoSS to better understand the full benefits of distributed solar energy to the grid and the economy.

RENEW’s comments offer key recommendations to strengthen solar policy in Wisconsin, ensuring it supports sustainable growth and a fair, data-driven approach to valuing solar energy. Here are the main points highlighted in RENEW’s submission:

  1. Gather utility data required to estimate solar adoption rates

Accurate and comprehensive data are essential for determining solar energy adoption rates across Wisconsin. RENEW recommends that the PSC gather data from utilities, formulate methodologies, and report on solar adoption rates. This will enable policymakers to make informed decisions on future solar policies.

  1. Decide whether an independent VoSS is appropriate for Wisconsin at this time

Before pursuing an independent Value of Solar Study (VoSS), RENEW recommends that the PSC assess whether such a study is appropriate for Wisconsin at this time. This evaluation should consider the unique circumstances of the state, including its zero-carbon energy goals and economic landscape.

  1. Create more robust and consistent NEM policy throughout Wisconsin

RENEW advocates for the development of more robust and consistent Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies across the state. NEM is a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s solar energy development, and strengthening this policy will help ensure fairness and consistency for solar customers.

  1. When appropriate, establish a VoSS stakeholder process and methodology to consider all values presented in the LBNL VOSS Review

When the time is right, RENEW recommends adopting a fair, transparent, and 

stakeholder-driven approach to a VoSS. This process should consider all the values outlined in the LBNL VoSS Review (economic, environmental, and grid-related) to ensure a comprehensive understanding of solar’s full benefits.

  1. Contract with a third-party VoSS consultant using a stakeholder-driven review process

To ensure a fair and credible outcome, RENEW urges the PSC to engage an independent consultant to assist in leading the Value of Solar analysis. An experienced third-party expert can provide objective insight and guide the process in a way that respects the input of all participants, including utilities, customers, advocates, and other stakeholders.

  1. Establish either a statewide or utility-specific VoSS driven by data

RENEW supports the creation of a statewide or utility-specific VoSS that is grounded in data and accurately reflects the value solar brings to the grid. This study should be informed by the utility data and stakeholder feedback gathered throughout the process.

  1. Establish a glide path towards VoS tariffs only when NEM solar adoption rates increase to 10% in utility service territories

Finally, RENEW recommends a gradual transition to Value of Solar (VoS) tariffs, with a clear glide path based on solar adoption rates. Specifically, the transition to VoS tariffs should occur only when solar adoption reaches 10% in utility service territories.

Next Steps: Stay Tuned for Updates!

At this time, the PSC has not announced the next steps as the investigation remains open. However, the PSC will likely take up a verbal decision on the next steps soon. We’ll keep a close eye on the process and share any important updates with you as they happen.

Stay tuned for further developments as we continue to push for policies that support a clean, sustainable, and equitable energy future for Wisconsin.

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The Gift of Light: Mt. Zion Energized by the Sun

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, hosted an educational session on the house of worship’s process behind the installation of a new 39.6-kilowatt solar array. The congregation welcomed key project partners, including Laurie Couillard from the Couillard Solar Foundation and representatives from RENEW Wisconsin, to join in celebration of this renewable energy achievement, and also to reflect on the church’s commitment to faith, community, and care for creation.

Mt. Zion’s congregation is deeply committed to the values of faith, community, hospitality, and justice, which are reflected in their work across worship, education, outreach, and social justice initiatives. The church has long upheld these values, exemplified through programs such as the Tosa Cares food pantry and its support for MICAH, a local organization dedicated to racial justice. For over 20 years, Mt. Zion has also been a devoted advocate for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. A core aspect of carrying out the church’s mission includes its dedication to environmental stewardship by honoring and protecting the earth. This commitment to sustainability is evident in ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption and give back to the planet. In 2024, Mt. Zion was recognized with an Energy Star award for significant upgrades, including switching to LED lighting, installing programmable thermostats, and weatherizing windows and skylights.

The church has also integrated environmental sustainability into its ministry through projects like an active pollinator garden and plans for a stormwater bioretention basin to manage runoff. Education plays a central role in this green initiative, with church leaders planning forums on solar energy to encourage the community to embrace renewable solutions. The opportunity to transition to clean, renewable energy initiated a new chapter in its story of creation care, enabling Mt. Zion to further demonstrate its commitment to both environmental sustainability and social justice. 

In January 2024, Mt. Zion took an additional significant step towards sustainability by beginning planning efforts to install a 39.96-kilowatt solar system on the education wing of the church’s facilities. The Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits for nonprofit organizations accelerated this transition, making the incorporation of renewable energy more affordable. The project received an additional boost from Energy Community Tax Credit Bonuses. Energy Community credits provide financial incentives for clean energy upgrades, particularly in communities impacted by the decommissioning of coal plants, supporting both a green economy and energy equity.

Douglas Johnson, a longtime member and passionate advocate for renewable energy, spearheaded the planning and implementation of the house of worship’s solar project. Johnson, who had installed a 3.72 kW solar array at his own home in 2008, has been an educator and advocate for solar energy. His leadership ensured the successful implementation of the project at Mt. Zion through his partnerships with nonprofit organizations and research into financing methods.

Funding for the solar system came through the generous support of the Solar for Good Program, which donated 37 solar panels, reducing the project’s costs by over $10,000. Additionally, Legacy Solar Co-Op provided financing for the installation through a 12-year loan at a competitive 6.75% interest rate, making the project both environmentally and financially viable. The church has already seen net savings of over $200, with a projected 135% return on investment over the life of the system.

With financial opportunities secured, installation of the system was able to begin in November of 2024. Endries Solar and Electric installed 74 high-efficiency bifacial panels with power optimizers, devices that maximize each panel’s energy production by adjusting performance based on conditions like shading or cloud cover, ensuring the system operates at optimal efficiency. By December of 2024, the church was able to begin harnessing the power of the sun through its new 39.96 kW solar system. By incorporating clean energy into its daily operations, Mt. Zion’s efforts epitomize how faith communities and other nonprofits can lead the way in a sustainable future for Wisconsinites. Mt. Zion’s careful monitoring of its solar system performance highlights the potential of clean energy. In April alone, the system offset 52% of the church’s energy usage, helping to support its core programs with greater financial stability.

This solar project showcases how faith communities can lead the way in Wisconsin’s clean energy transition. By integrating sustainability into its operations, Mt. Zion has not only reduced energy costs but also showcased that faith and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. The solar array is just one part of the church’s broader commitment to caring for God’s creation and supporting its community. The celebration of the Gift of Light is not just about the energy generated by the solar panels; it is a reflection of hope, faith, and a commitment to building a sustainable future for all. As other churches and organizations look to Mt. Zion as a model, this project demonstrates how renewable energy investments can align with core values of stewardship, justice, and care for creation.

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Better Together: How Community Engagement Improves Large-Scale Solar Projects

As we work to decarbonize Wisconsin’s economy, the need for large-scale solar (LSS) development continues to grow. But solar panels alone won’t build our clean energy future. How developers and advocates plan, engage, and invest in communities can determine whether a project is a symbol of prosperity or a source of resistance. The process makes all the difference.

Several Wisconsin organizations are working directly with communities to shape how clean energy projects are planned and built. RENEW Wisconsin and Clean Wisconsin support large-scale solar developments by highlighting the benefits they bring to local economies and landowners. Wisconsin Land and Water supports county conservation staff and local officials by providing guidance on land use and policy considerations related to energy siting. UW-Madison Extension educates and engages communities through RESET (Renewable Energy Siting & Engagement for Tomorrow), a program that helps communities prepare and plan for large-scale renewables.

A 2023 research article titled “Good fences make good neighbors: Stakeholder perspectives on the local benefits and burdens of large-scale solar energy development in the United States,” explores how LSS solar projects are perceived and how to align solar development with local values. Through interviews with residents, developers, and public officials, the researchers found that community pushback is often less about solar and more about how projects are introduced and implemented.

I encourage you to read the full report. In the meantime, here are my four key takeaways from the study that offer guidance for better solar development:

  1. Start with Meaningful Engagement

Public meetings and legal notices aren’t enough. Communities want a seat at the table from day one. Study participants emphasized the need for early, consistent, in-person engagement throughout a project’s timeline, from planning to decommissioning.

Some of the best ideas include hosting solar bus tours, creating local advisory groups, holding job-training workshops, and sharing visuals of project designs. These efforts help demystify the process and show local residents that their input matters.

  1. Empower Local Liaisons

People trust people they know. Using local third-party intermediaries like community champions, nonprofits, or university partners can have a big impact on the success of a project. These liaisons can be the bridge between developers and residents, communicating in ways that resonate locally and holding all parties accountable.

Developers may know solar, but local partners know their communities. The best projects use these strengths to build trust and reduce tensions.

  1. Be Honest About Tradeoffs

No project is perfect, and developers must communicate tradeoffs transparently, whether it’s changes to the visual landscape, land-use concerns, or vegetation preferences. Residents should be invited to learn from neighboring communities to discuss the long-term impacts of land use. Developers and advocates should also be forthcoming about other aspects of the project, including the visibility of substations and transmission lines, as well as any local resources that may be impacted during construction.

Transparency and clarity can go a long way in building trust, dispelling rumors and misinformation, and improving overall community sentiment about a solar project.

  1. Demonstrate and Deliver Real Community Benefits

Residents want to see that these solar projects will improve their quality of life. Developers and advocates should highlight local benefits, including access to good-paying jobs, fair land lease payments, or energy savings for nearby households.

The study found that some developers overlook the input of project neighbors. In addition, the profits from land leases sometimes go to absentee owners or corporations. Officials and communities are calling for stronger community benefits agreements that ensure the value of clean energy stays local and lasts long after the developers have left town.

We Can Develop Solar That Works for Everyone

This study is a reminder that solar success isn’t just about megawatts. It’s about relationships and transparency. In many ways, the responsibility of this community engagement work begins with developers. Fortunately, RENEW has several developer members who lead by example, showing how authentic community engagement can lead to better outcomes. Wisconsin’s most successful LSS projects demonstrate that if we want clean energy to power a better future, we need to build projects with communities, not just in them.

Let’s continue to engage in policies and practices that make solar smarter, more inclusive, and grounded in local Wisconsin values.

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Honoring Earth Day through Agrace’s Clean Energy Upgrades

On Earth Day 2025, Agrace, a community-based healthcare organization dedicated to providing personalized care and support to individuals facing serious health challenges, celebrated a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainability. Agrace unveiled its 510-kilowatt solar array, symbolizing its dedication to environmental stewardship and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. This achievement was made possible through Agrace’s partnership with RENEW Wisconsin and the Couillard Solar Foundation’s Solar for Good program and Full Spectrum Solar.

The unveiling event brought together key interested parties, including Jackie Harrison-Jewell, Executive Director of the Couillard Solar Foundation, Jamie Moen, Agrace’s Chief Operating Officer, and representatives from RENEW Wisconsin. The occasion marked the launch of the solar system and highlighted Agrace’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility, demonstrating how clean energy solutions can benefit both the environment and the community.

For more than 45 years, Agrace has been at the forefront of providing compassionate care across Southcentral Wisconsin. Its mission to help people live better during treatment for serious illness, care for elderly loved ones, and support individuals after a loss has always been central to the organization’s purpose. In 2021, Agrace launched a strategic initiative to better understand its environmental impact and develop a plan to reduce its emissions, which led to the decision to focus on sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

The healthcare sector represents a significant opportunity for adopting clean energy solutions like solar. Transitioning to renewable energy not only addresses greenhouse gas emissions on a large scale but also fosters energy resilience, allowing healthcare facilities to continue effectively caring for patients, even during disruptions caused by severe weather. Agrace’s commitment to sustainability sets an inspiring example, demonstrating how strategic actions can lead to both environmental and operational benefits.

Agrace’s first major step in its journey toward carbon neutrality was the installation of a 510-kilowatt solar system on the rooftop of its Madison facility. This system, which went live on August 26, 2024, has the capacity to power more than 60 homes and is expected to offset 20.84% of the facility’s electricity needs. The solar array is part of a broader strategy that includes energy conservation efforts, retro-commissioning of existing equipment, and the purchase of green power and carbon offsets.

The Solar for Good grant program played a vital role in supporting Agrace’s renewable energy efforts. The Solar for Good program helps nonprofit organizations, like Agrace, reduce energy costs and advance their mission.  Thanks to a $20,000 award from Solar for Good in the Fall of 2023, Agrace was able to fund this transformative solar array. Agrace also leveraged additional funding sources, including Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy Program and Direct Pay incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Full Spectrum Solar, the firm behind the installation, was instrumental in bringing Agrace’s clean energy goal to life. The team worked closely with Agrace to ensure the project was executed smoothly, providing valuable guidance on system performance and capacity. The solar array is now visible from various courtyards throughout the facility, allowing both staff and residents to benefit from the renewable energy.

Beyond reducing Agrace’s utility bills, the solar array plays a vital role in reducing the organization’s reliance on traditional energy sources. By producing its own renewable energy, Agrace is able to direct energy savings into vital programs such as Age at Home, Supportive Care, Hospice Care, and Grief Support, all of which serve the local community. Agrace plans to further its sustainability efforts by encouraging staff and residents to adopt energy-saving habits and exploring additional energy-efficient technologies like electric vehicle charging stations, battery storage, and heat pumps.

Agrace’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that small actions, like transitioning to solar energy, can have on both the environment and the community. Through its partnership with Solar for Good to transition to solar, Agrace is not only committing to clean energy but also setting an example for others to follow. By continuing to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency, Agrace is ensuring that its critical services will continue supporting the health and well-being of the people of Wisconsin while also making a lasting positive impact on the planet.

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Clean Energy Works On Rooftop Solar

Clean Energy Works is RENEW Wisconsin’s initiative to get into the field with our business members and learn directly from those doing the work each day. By shadowing installers, technicians, and staff across the clean energy industry, we gain a deeper understanding of what goes into the work. These experiences directly inform how RENEW supports and advocates for the people and companies driving clean energy forward.

 

When you think about Wisconsin’s clean energy jobs, it is easy to picture panels, wires, and policy charts. But the real story starts with people.

On a crisp spring morning, I joined a crew from Arch Solar as they set out to bring another rooftop solar project to life. They were a small team, each person coming from a different background: Dave, who leads the panel installs, once packed clothes at Lands’ End. Billy, two months into the job, fixed bikes in Fond du Lac. Leo, now installing panels with the crew, poured concrete in Milwaukee. Jenny, one of the lead electricians, farmed organically near Plymouth before entering the trades. TJ, now a master electrician, once trained for the police academy.

These are the people building Wisconsin’s clean energy future, one project at a time.

The Crew on Day One: Foundations First

The first day of the install was all about setup. I spent the full day with the rooftop solar crew, Dave and Billy, as we laid the foundation for the project. That meant attaching the structural supports and rails that hold to solar panels, along with all of the electrical infrastructure. The crew’s quick work ensured everything was set up for the next day’s panel work.

Dave, one of the lead solar panel installers, has been with Arch for a few years now, and his attention to detail is top-notch. After getting some hands-on experience in the field, he’s now hoping to enter Arch’s electrician apprenticeship program. His steady focus and thoughtful approach stood out, whether he was leveling rails, checking truss locations, setting supports, or making sure conduit was cleanly installed.

Billy, who is just two months into the job, was right there alongside him. It was immediately clear how much he had picked up in such a short time. He asked smart, timely questions and jumped into the work confidently.

While we worked on the roof, Don and Neil handled the electrical work below. Don, who is currently in his electrical apprenticeship, was paired with Neil, a master electrician. They were in charge of setting up the electrical components for the next day, and their coordination with the rooftop team was seamless. Questions moved quickly between us, and answers came easily.

The Crew on Day Two: Panels, Service, and New Faces

The second day brought new crew members and new tasks. Dave and Billy returned, and Leo joined them in handling the panel installation. It was the first time the panels were actually going on the roof, and the three of them worked with speed, care, and attention to every detail.

While the panel install team was up on the roof, I spent all of day two with the electricians, Jenny and TJ. That change in perspective gave me a full view of the project and helped round out my experience across both days. Day one was about structural layout, hardware, and module prep. Day two gave me a front-row seat to the electrical service upgrades, EV charging readiness, and system wiring that bring a solar project to life.

Jenny is a lead electrician at Arch. Before joining the team, she spent years working on an organic farm near Plymouth. Her path into the trades is a powerful example of how someone can have a long, successful career in one field and still pivot to something completely different when the time feels right. Jenny’s calm, knowledgeable presence made her a go-to for any electrical question on site. TJ, her counterpart, also took a unique path to the trades. He has thrived in his role at Arch and recently passed his master electrician exam.

This Is What a Good Job Looks Like

Clean energy conversations often focus on technology, investment, and carbon reduction. Those things matter. But being on-site reminded me that clean energy is also about people and good jobs.

Good jobs are at the heart of the clean energy transition. Jobs that pay well, teach real skills, and offer a pathway forward. Jobs for people from all kinds of backgrounds, whether from bike shops, concrete work, farming, or retail.

Everyone I met was doing skilled work they could be proud of, and every person was thinking about what came next. Whether it was Billy just getting started or TJ recently earning his master electrician license, there was a shared sense that this was about more than a paycheck. It was about building careers, strengthening communities, and creating a future they can stand behind.

Looking Ahead

For RENEW, site visits like this help us better support the people who do this work. We spend a lot of time writing comments, reviewing rate cases, analyzing permitting policy, legislative proposals, and advocating for changes at the Public Service Commission. That work is critical, but it is even more impactful when it is informed by firsthand experience.

There are more crews to meet, more technologies to explore, and more stories to tell. At the end of the day, clean energy is about the people behind it. The more we listen to them, the stronger the future we can build for the grid, for the climate, and for the communities doing the hard work.

If you are part of this work and would be willing to share your story, I would love to join you for a day. Feel free to reach out to me at ben@renewwisconsin.org.

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A Sunny Chapter in Richard I. Bong Veteran Historical Center’s Story

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center marked an inspiring milestone in its ongoing mission to honor veterans with the installation of a new 20-kilowatt solar system. This sunny addition is not just a technological upgrade; it symbolizes the center’s commitment to creating a sustainable future while preserving the stories and legacy of the brave community members who have served the United States. The event, attended by community leaders, city officials, and distinguished guests, highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into institutions that hold deep historical value.

Named after Major Richard Ira Bong, the United States’ Ace of Aces during World War II, the Bong Center has been a space for reflection, remembrance, and education. Its mission is to honor veterans by sharing their stories, preserving their experiences, and educating the public about the sacrifices made by those who served. Since its opening, the center has collected over 800 personal stories from veterans and serves as a vital resource for the Superior community. Iconic exhibits, including a fully functional P-38 aircraft, help bring Major Richard Ira Bong’s heroic feats to life, while the Wall of Honor memorializes the names and stories of veterans throughout U.S. history.

With the installation of the new solar system, the Bong Center has made a significant technological advancement, combining its dedication to honoring history with its responsibility to protect the environment. This solar project is the first phase of a broader initiative to create a sustainable future for the center and its visitors. The 20-kilowatt system, expected to provide significant energy savings, was made possible through the generosity of RENEW Wisconsin and the Couillard Solar Foundation’s Solar for Good program, along with an anonymous donor. These financial resources helped cover installation costs and materials, ensuring that the project moved forward without financial strain.

The solar system’s value extends beyond serving as an energy source; it’s a symbol of how historical institutions can adapt to meet modern challenges. Just as Major Richard Ira Bong’s legacy continues to inspire, the Bong Center’s embrace of clean, renewable energy is a powerful reminder that we can honor the past while also protecting our planet. The energy produced by the solar panels will help power the center’s operations, reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering its environmental impact.

Installing this solar array was not without its challenges, however. Initially, the plan was to place the solar panels on the roof, but logistical concerns related to wind conditions near Lake Superior led to a pivot. The new solution was to install a ground-mounted system, which was approved by the City of Superior in June of 2023. During installation, Carlson Electric uncovered mounds of concrete and blacktop beneath the ground, requiring quick thinking and teamwork to ensure a winter installation. Yet, through the perseverance and collaboration of the Bong Center, Solar for Good, and the donor community, these hurdles were cleared, and the project stayed on track.

By January 29, 2025, the system was live, and the Bong Center began generating its own clean, renewable energy. This success highlights the importance of community involvement in making such meaningful initiatives possible. Executive Director John Gidley, alongside energy advocate John Trochinski and the team at Carlson Electric, played a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success. Their hard work proved that with determination and collaboration, any challenge can be overcome.

The Bong Center envisions expanding its energy capacity in the coming years, with the goal of providing at least 80% of its electrical needs through solar energy. This forward-thinking approach will further reduce the center’s reliance on traditional energy sources and continue to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The installation of the solar system at the Richard I. Bong Center is a perfect blend of history and progress; a commitment to honoring veterans’ legacies while supporting eco-friendly innovations. 

The solar array, now powering the center’s daily operations, is more than just a renewable energy source. It’s a tribute to the perseverance, ingenuity, and dedication of those who have served our country. It’s a reminder that the work we do today, from honoring our heroes to adopting cleaner energy solutions, helps ensure that the stories of the past will continue to inspire generations to come. By integrating solar energy into its mission, the Bong Center is leading the way for other historical institutions to balance preservation with progress and show that a sustainable future is possible when we work together for the greater good.

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Clean Energy Legislative Update • April 2025

The headline “ROFR is dead…long live ROFR” is representative not only of the changing stances on legislation but also of having two sides to every issue.

ROFR or the Right of First Refusal is an effort to give in-state utilities the first right to build transmission lines, presumably to lower costs and keep competition out. However, having one source to build transmission seems to lack the much-needed support.  

In the last week or so, another bill emerged with more provisions than the original. ROFR became WERA — the Wisconsin Energy Reform Act. The new additions may have convinced a few to change their stance, but WERA opened the floodgates of additional opposition and muddied the bill so much more.

The bill aims to incentivize developers to choose nonproductive, less desirable land to build renewable energy projects. This is done by limiting the number of acres available in both towns and counties. In addition, the new bill requires the developer to purchase up to four times more acres than the original project required to ensure prime agricultural land is reserved for agricultural production. 

This seems like getting the stick for punishment rather than a carrot of encouragement. If the goal is to prevent development on prime farmland, why does this only apply to wind and solar? What about the strides made to incorporate growing vegetables and grazing sheep under solar panels for agrivoltaics production? What if the landowner wants to use their land for development rather than farming? 

The complexity of such reforms can be addressed. In a bill that brings together those who develop the land and those who farm it, as well as those who oversee the process. Rather than as an add-on to an already bogged-down legislation on life support.

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Sugar Creek Lutheran Church Solar Project: Powering the Future of Community Programs

Sugar Creek Lutheran Church, a beacon of faith and community, has long been committed to improving the lives of its congregation and the surrounding Elkhorn area. For over 175 years Sugar Creek has uplifted nearby residents through outreach initiatives for underserved families and youth engagement programs. The church’s commitment to sustainability has also been at the heart of its mission, leading it to embark on a transformative renewable energy project: a solar power system that will provide long-term financial stability while enhancing its community outreach efforts.

By investing in clean, renewable energy, Sugar Creek Lutheran Church not only took steps to reduce its environmental impact but also set in motion a series of financial and community benefits that will continue to reverberate for years to come.

A Mission-Inspired Project

Solar Project Lead Ervin Schlepp understands the church’s mission of sacrificial love for others to include acts of service for both his community and the natural world. With a background in engineering and wastewater management, this long-time Elkhorn resident found the perfect opportunity to marry his faith and professional experience in leading his congregation’s transition to renewable energy.

“Part of our decision to proceed with this project was not only to be better stewards of the environment and to reduce our carbon footprint but also to allow us to make use of the money we save from utility bills, which we know will be higher in the future,” Schlepp said.

Educating and Engaging the Community

Seeing solar installation as a golden opportunity to increase financial savings, community service, and environmental stewardship, Schlepp was eager to garner his congregation’s support. To foster collective understanding and excitement for the solar project, throughout 2023 the Church published monthly newsletters and held educational seminars on both how solar power works and what benefits its adoption would bring to the congregation.

These engagement efforts allowed project leaders to address concerns and gather valuable input that would shape the project’s final design and implementation. Collaboration with the congregation, community members, and local partners resulted in a final plan that closely aligned with their collective needs and vision. When it came time to hold a vote on the solar project, 94% of the congregation was in support!

Funding the Future

Key to the success of the project was a thoughtful and strategic approach to funding. Schlepp and other project leaders understood the importance of securing financing before beginning construction, ensuring they would not be burdened by financial strain during development. Through a combination of grant funding, state programs, and the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay program, Sugar Creek received a total of $54,142 in funding for its solar project.

Some of the key funding sources included:

  • Solar for Good: The Couillard Solar Foundation and RENEW Wisconsin’s collaborative program donated 18 panels valued at $6,500
  • Solar Moonshot Program: Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation’s program awarded $25,000 in grant funding
  • Focus on Energy: This Wisconsin program contributed $2,947 towards Sugar Creek’s project 
  • Congregational Support: Donations from its congregation covered the remaining upfront project costs and prevented the need for a bridge loan
  • Direct  Pay: Sugar Creek expects to receive $19,695 in clean energy tax credits and a bonus credit of $6,565 for using American-made steel and iron

By balancing various funding streams, Sugar Creek ensured that its solar project was not just a financial success, but also an example of how to maximize available incentives and minimize risk.

Designing a Vision for Change

After securing project funding, Sugar Creek employed local experts Adams Electric Solar Group and We Energies’ solar engineering staff to ensure the solar system’s design would meet energy needs while staying under budget. The church also integrated solar-powered electric heat pumps into their heating system, further reducing reliance on propane and lowering overall energy costs.

“The overall project process and completion took us approximately 14 months,” Schlepp said. “Much of that was our learning about solar panel power systems and our process to get congregational approval plus raising our portion of the funding required.”

These investments in time, technology, and education bolster the church’s commitment to sustainability as it transitions away from non-renewable energy sources and secures long-term savings that can be redirected to essential community programs.

Unexpected Challenges and Community-Based Solutions

By leveraging community expertise and resources, Sugar Creek streamlined its solar installation and demonstrated the power of grassroots problem-solving in making renewable energy more accessible. Church leaders encountered an unexpected hurdle of needing a conditional use permit. While the property was zoned for solar, installations of its size required additional approval. Fortunately, the church’s strong relationships with town and county officials helped expedite the process and they secured approval in just two months—far faster than usual. The Walworth County Board’s experience with the church led them to eliminate the conditional use permit requirement for similar solar projects, making it easier for other organizations to pursue renewable energy.

Another challenge arose when the metering panel needed replacement to meet current standards, and an additional snow and ice protection overhang was needed for the panel’s safety. A local contractor stepped in to install the upgraded metering panel, while a church member who owned a fabrication manufacturing facility volunteered to design and build the protective overhang. This collaborative effort kept the project moving forward while also strengthening local businesses and deepening connections within the congregation.

Solar Project Lead Ervin Schlepp, Pastor Dick Inglett, and Walworth County Board District 3 Supervisor Brian Holt break ground at the project site in July 2024.

Looking Ahead

Since Sugar Creek’s solar array was placed into service, the church has welcomed the significant reduction in utility bills.

“It is exciting to see that as an organization we were willing to capitalize on solar power and that we did not say ‘our old system is good enough’ and move on, but decided that an integrated system for our facilities allows us to generate more electricity than we need,” Schlepp said.

The success of this solar project is just the beginning. The church is exploring additional sustainability initiatives, including expanding its solar array and installing updated, efficient heating units to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The church is also continuing its educational outreach to inspire other local organizations to pursue renewable energy.

“Reducing our carbon footprint and teaching others about the benefits of solar power is important to our congregation,” Schlepp said.

As the congregation continues to see the positive impact of its solar project, they are more determined than ever to reinvest savings into the programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of the people they serve. The church plans to expand its support of vital community programs like the local food pantry, continuing education scholarships, and adult day care for individuals experiencing dementia — a win for both the environment and the community.

Sugar Creek Lutheran Church’s solar project demonstrates that with careful planning, strong community involvement, and a commitment to sustainability, nonprofits can achieve both environmental and financial benefits. The church’s solar project proves that nonprofits can lead the charge on the path to a more sustainable and equitable Wisconsin. By reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing their financial sustainability, the church has created a model for other organizations to follow.

Each day since installation, Schlepp said they enjoy tracking the system’s energy generation on a mobile app. “It warms my heart to know that on a sunny day, we are creating more power than we are using, and the system is working well.”

For more information on how to fund a similar project, reach out to info@renewwisconsin.org.

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The River Food Pantry: Renewable Energy that Powers Community Growth

The Journey to Sustainability

The River Food Pantry has been a cornerstone for historically underserved communities across Dane County for nearly two decades. Its mission is both simple and profound— to provide food, resources, and faith to build a stronger community. As South Central Wisconsin’s busiest food pantry, The River serves over 3,000 people each week with grocery and meal programs, food recovery initiatives, and an on-site vegetable garden.

Offering facilities and resources that are sustainable for the people they serve is central to The River’s mission. As the organization’s programs began to outgrow its current 11,000-square-foot facility ten years ago, the pantry’s leadership recognized the need for a long-term solution that could meet growing demands and align with environmental stewardship. The River got to work envisioning a new home for the pantry that would reduce operational costs, minimize environmental impact, and expand its capacity to serve the growing community.

This transformative project was made possible thanks to the dedication of community partners, local contractors, and The River’s building team. Grants Manager Ryan Holley leveraged his expertise and passion for environmental protection to build a common vision for sustainability among other staff and board members that ultimately shaped many aspects of the project. His commitment to research and collaboration underscores how renewable energy can both power efficient operations and support community growth and resilience.

Grants Manager Ryan Holley’s passion for outdoor recreation like kayaking, hiking, and fishing inspires him to center sustainability in every aspect of his work.

Engaging the Community

The River engaged its diverse base of staff, volunteers, clients, and community partners throughout the planning process. The operations team used feedback collected from surveys to shape key decisions, including reinstating programs that were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping the drive-through food distribution model for convenience and privacy. The River is also collaborating with the Dane County Extension Horticulture program and Dane County Parks to plant a native pollinator landscape that will enhance ecological health, improve drainage, and foster community pride. The expanded facility will also include space for community collaborations, offering classrooms for partners to provide education and support for a variety of areas that intersect with food insecurity, such as cooking, nutrition, gardening, housing assistance, healthcare, and employment services—thereby transforming the pantry into a hub for addressing diverse community needs. 

A 3D rendering of one of the classrooms that will host community-inspired classes in The River’s new facility. 

Funding the Future 

Holley emphasized the importance of planning ahead, advising that it is best to look for funding years in advance of when it might be needed. This proactive approach ensures that projects remain financially supported through all stages of planning, development, and construction.

When the time came to begin applying for funding resources, The River’s strategy was to connect with organizations and people with greater knowledge. This method proved invaluable in navigating complex federal funding processes. Guidance from the Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change was instrumental in identifying opportunities and aligning the project with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Direct Pay provisions. The team also leveraged local grants and funding sources whose missions aligned with what the team was working to accomplish.

Sustainability initiatives in The River’s new facility were made possible through strategic funding sources and grants:

  • Community Project Funding: $3 million secured through congressionally directed funding.
  • Wisconsin-specific Grants:
    • MadiSUN Backyard Solar Grant ($20,000)
    • Solar for Good Grant ($16,923)
  • Focus on Energy: The River enrolled in Focus on Energy’s design program to optimize weatherization and energy efficiency.
  • Tax Incentives and Rebates:
    • Direct Pay credits for the 2025 tax year, enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act, will allow The River to receive direct payments from the IRS covering a percentage of each renewable project’s cost once operational. These include 30% for solar, geothermal, and an EV forklift, plus a 10% bonus for solar projects in low-income communities.
Operational cost savings from a more efficient facility will expand programs like Munch Mobile Meals, which delivers free healthy meals to children and adults in low-income neighborhoods throughout Madison and Fitchburg. 

Designing a Vision for Change

With funding in place, project leadership focused their attention on designing The River’s new 32,500-square-foot home. With sustainability at the forefront of his mind, Holley guided conversations between the Pantry’s Building Committee, Midwest Solar Power, and Advanced Building Corporation which developed plans for incorporating solar and geothermal systems as key elements of the new building’s design. Drawing on extensive research into renewable energy best practices and local nonprofit organizations who pursued similar projects, The River’s board, leadership, and operations team centered sustainability while collaborating with architects, contractors, and government representatives. This focus led to the strategic incorporation of plans for several renewable energy upgrades.

The project includes:

  • A 113-kilowatt-hour rooftop solar array with 207 panels to power a fully electric commercial kitchen, which will increase the scale of their hot meal program. 
  • A geothermal-electric heat pump and HVAC system to provide environmentally friendly heating and cooling across seven climate zones within the facility.
  • Infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, paving the way for a transition to electric delivery and food recovery vehicles in the future.

These technologies will reduce the energy usage and carbon footprint of the new facility. The resulting reduction in utility expenses can be reinvested into The River’s critical services. By expanding access to essential resources and fostering sustainability, The River’s new facility will promote a greener, healthier, and more equitable future for all.

A 3D rendering of The River’s new fully-electric commercial kitchen that will be powered by the facility’s rooftop solar array. 

Challenges and Solutions

During the design process, The River’s leadership team turned unexpected challenges into learning opportunities. Because the geothermal HVAC infrastructure was included later in the planning process, building an efficient and quiet system required multiple redesigns to meet the facility’s unique needs. The team chose to prioritize client experience and settled on a system configuration that minimizes any sound disruption to the facility’s staff and visitors. 

Even after The River’s team had completed the design process for the new facility, they could only move as quickly as the local regulatory and permitting agencies allowed. This time was not wasted though, as the team used it as an opportunity to finalize smaller project details such as window placement and room layouts. 

To Holley, navigating the federal funding process has been one of the most challenging parts of the project, with the complexities of required documentation and extended timelines requiring a significant investment of time and focus. Starting early and maintaining meticulous records proved crucial in overcoming these hurdles while working with community members who had experience in the funding process created opportunities for collaboration. 

Supporters of The River’s new facility breaking ground last fall.

Looking Ahead

With construction beginning last fall, The River Food Pantry’s team is beginning to see their hard work come to life. While The River’s new home will incorporate many renewable and environmental measures, these sustainability projects are just the beginning.

“It’s good to dream big, but you should also decide what is feasible at the launch of the project and what you want down the line,” Holley advises. Future plans include expanding rooftop solar capacity, integrating electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, exploring battery storage options for solar power, adding to the native landscaping elements around the site, and expanding food recovery and composting operations to further enhance sustainability. 

The River’s project illustrates how visionary leadership, community collaboration, and strategic funding can empower nonprofits to integrate renewable energy solutions that benefit both the environment and the communities they serve. Holley reflects, “When the building is actually completed and I can see all these things in practice, that will be something I’ve really had a hand in shaping, and I will be proud of what the end product turned out to be.”

The RENEW team and all of The River’s supporters are excited to celebrate the pantry’s momentous achievement. For other nonprofits considering similar projects, Holley’s advice is clear: start early and dream big. By identifying funding opportunities well in advance and aligning renewable energy initiatives with organizational missions, nonprofits can create sustainable futures for their operations and the communities they support. 

To learn more about clean energy funding opportunities, reach out to info@renewwisconsin.org.

The River Food Pantry is proud to serve all residents of Dane County. 

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Clean Energy Legislative Update • March 2025

The 2025 legislation is starting to heat up, there are plenty of legislative issues moving through the legislature! Here are a few that we are tracking:

Technical fix to EV-charging — Senate Bill 96

This bill clarifies how the charging tax is administered. It does not apply to level 1, 2, or 3 chargers located at a residence, as the intent of the law was to apply to public chargers. The actual entity that owns or operates the charging station must register, file, and pay the charging excise tax.

RENEW supports SB 96.

Local Project Approval — Senate Bill 3 & Assembly Bill 7

This proposal drastically changes the regulatory landscape for renewable energy projects. The bill adds a requirement that any solar or wind project over 15 megawatts needs approval by the local town, village, or municipality before being considered by the Public Service Commission.

Wisconsin’s current law is considered the gold standard for siting as large projects over 100 MW require PSC approval, and smaller projects fall under local jurisdictions. The change would make it more difficult to site future development and create greater uncertainty for private developers.

RENEW is joined by at least 17 lobbying groups opposing the bills.

Right of First Refusal — Assembly Bill 25 & Senate Bill 28

Wisconsin utilities have introduced the ROFR bill again this session, which would give incumbent utilities first dibs [right] to construct, own, and maintain transmission lines in the state, and only after they decline the project [refuse], then other transmission companies could be considered. 

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator or MISO oversees transmission needs in the Midwest, and the grid operator has plans for major upgrades to be made in the next decade. MISO rules require sharing of the cost of construction, maintenance, and operations across all beneficiaries of the added infrastructure. Wisconsin’s three transmission utilities – Xcel Energy, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and American Transmission Company could be considered in the bidding even without ROFR. 

RENEW does not have a specific position on the bill but generally supports expanding transmission to support the growing demand for electricity. 

The groups supporting the measures outnumber those opposing two to one. At least 15 republican legislators have registered in opposition during a recent hearing on the bills. Several amendments are pending.

Climate Accountability Act — LRB 2137

Several democratic legislators are working on legislation to reduce carbon emissions by requiring that Wisconsin adopt concrete and accountable climate action plans to cut greenhouse emissions by 52% by 2030 and maximize the economic benefits of climate action for all Wisconsin residents.

Resolution honoring the 55th anniversary of Earth Day

This joint resolution supports Earth Day founder, former United States Senator and Governor of Wisconsin Gaylord Nelson on the 55th anniversary of the celebration, first held on April 22, 1970.

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The State of EVs: Insights from the Chicago Auto Show

The past few weeks have been eventful for the EV industry. Changes to NEVI funding, CFI grants, Clean School Bus grants, and discussions about altering EV tax credits at the federal level have raised questions about where things stand. With all this movement, many advocates and EV owners are wondering what the future holds.

That’s why my visit to the Chicago Auto Show last week felt so timely. This event isn’t just a playground for car enthusiasts.  It is where automakers showcase their latest models, concept vehicles, and innovative technology. It’s also a great opportunity for organizations like RENEW to see how the auto industry is positioning itself for the future.

And after walking through car manufacturer to car manufacturer, I can confidently say that EVs are still a core part of the automotive industry.

Despite political shifts and an evolving narrative around electrification, automakers are still committed. EVs were front and center at nearly every major booth. No matter where you looked, there was an EV or plug-in hybrid showcased on a stage, positioned right alongside the manufacturers’ most popular gasoline models.

Automakers Are All In

At Ford’s booth, one of the first things you saw walking into the main hall was the F-150 Lightning, the Mustang Mach-E, and Ford’s proprietary home charging setup. These displays were front and center of the Ford display, making it clear Ford still sees EVs as a priority

Over at Jeep, the focus was, as expected, all about off-roading. They had their usual rugged terrain display, showcasing the Wrangler and Gladiator’s trail capabilities. But what was running the trail with them? The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, demonstrating how combining an electric motor with an internal combustion engine enhances torque, fuel efficiency, and even allows for silent off-roading—something that was almost unheard of when it was first introduced.

The Stellantis brands (Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge) had a strong presence. Ram was showing off its new RamCharger chassis, a plug-in hybrid setup that uses a gas-powered generator to feed electricity to the battery, allowing for a range of over 650 miles. Chrysler had a brand-new luxury EV concept on display, the Halcyon. Dodge, known for their muscle cars, was showcasing their push into electrification with the all-new EV muscle car, the Next-Gen Charger. Across the board, hybrid and electric models were integrated with their gas-powered lineup.

Even Toyota, a company that’s been openly hesitant about fully embracing EVs, made a statement. While they’ve been more focused on hybrids and plug-in hybrids, than full battery electric vehicles. Toyota made it clear, through their display, they are committed to electrification.

A High-Performance Future

One of the most exciting parts of the show was the indoor EV test track. It wasn’t just about looking at the cars, it was about experiencing them. Automakers set up a track where attendees could take rides in some of the latest EVs and feel that signature instant torque and smooth acceleration firsthand. Ford, GM, Stellantis, Rivian, Volkswagen, and others were all there, letting people experience the power of electric vehicles first hand.

The Bigger Picture: Why People Choose EVs

Walking through the auto show, it became clear that automakers are designing EVs and hybrids for a wide range of drivers. Not everyone is buying EVs for the same reasons and the industry is responding to that reality.

  • Some people buy an EV for cost savings, with lower fuel and maintenance costs.
  • Others love them for performance with quick acceleration, off-road capabilities, and cutting edge technology.
  • And, of course, many are drawn to the climate benefits, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting the shift to renewable energy.

And honestly, it doesn’t matter why someone chooses an EV or plug-in hybrid—what matters is that they do.

At RENEW Wisconsin, our goal is to see transportation powered by clean energy. The best way to make that happen? Increase EV and plug-in hybrid adoption. Whether someone is buying an EV for fuel savings, performance, environmental benefits, or a mix of all three, the result is the same: more electric vehicles on the road and a step closer to a cleaner transportation future.

So while the headlines may suggest uncertainty in the EV market, the Chicago Auto Show told a different story. It was a story of growth, innovation, and a strong commitment from automakers to electrification. The EV industry is strong and continues to expand into new markets.

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2025 RENEW Wisconsin Summit Recap!

By: Alex Beld

On Thursday, February 6, RENEW held our 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit, presented by Invenergy and Dimension Energy. More than 850 Attendees from across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and even around the globe joined us to discuss state policy, develop professionally, and explore how clean energy is empowering Wisconsin communities.

Not only was this our first Summit that exceeded 800 attendees, but it was also our first time hosting the Energy Pro Demo Day Presented by MREA! Demo Day featured renewable energy education sessions, insights into the latest clean energy technology, NABCEP continuing education credit opportunities, and networking opportunities with top brands and clean energy experts. We are proud to have been able to partner with MREA to add this programming to the Summit. We believe that one of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition to clean energy is to grow and foster the talented workforce that resides in our communities across Wisconsin.

And that’s what the Summit was all about this year, our community. In the year ahead we are looking forward to strengthening and growing the renewable energy community. By maintaining our connections with each other we can use our collective voice to shape our future. This year we had many inspiring speakers who exemplified the spirit of community-focused advocacy for renewable energy.

This year we heard about:

  • Innovative clean energy technologies and their real-world applications
  • Policy frameworks that support sustainable development and community resilience
  • Successful case studies of cross-sector collaborations
  • Strategies for ensuring inclusivity and economic equity in the clean energy transition
  • Best practices for public engagement and advocacy

We were also joined by the likes of our keynote Erica Mackie, and State Senator Jeff Smith. Erica shared insights on a slew of topics from energy equity and workforce development to collaboration with Tribal Nations and federal policy. Senator Smith closed out the day’s events with a forward-looking message on the renewable energy landscape for Wisconsin and the clean energy industry. Thanks to Erica, Jeff, and everyone else who was either joining us for the first time or the 14th time. It’s your participation that makes this event so impactful.

Beyond the many thoughtful breakouts and inspirational stories we heard, attendees also had many opportunities to catch up with other industry leaders, make new connections, and even find opportunities to help each other find ways to complete their renewable energy goals. As we wrap up another successful Summit, we encourage all of our attendees to keep in touch with us and everyone else they had the chance to connect with this year. Our community has the momentum and the know-how needed to reach our goal of a Wisconsin that runs on clean, reliable energy. Thanks to everyone for joining us this year to share your expertise, enthusiasm, and energy. We can’t wait to do it again in 2026!

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RENEW Wisconsin 2025 Summit Honors Clean Energy Leaders

By: Alex Beld

February 4, 2025, Madison, Wis.During its 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit, RENEW Wisconsin, with presenting sponsors Invenergy and Dimension Energy, will honor individuals and businesses who have made significant and lasting advances in clean energy development in Wisconsin. The Summit will take place Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Monona Terrace in Madison.

RENEW’s 2025 Summit, titled “Powering Tomorrow: Collaborative Innovations for Thriving Communities,” will convene stakeholders from across the state to discuss the latest advancements in clean energy technologies and collaborative strategies driving the transition to a sustainable future. More than 50 speakers made up of industry leaders and experts, like keynote speaker Erica Mackie co-founder of GRID Alternatives, are joining RENEW at this year’s Summit.

The awards are grouped under five categories:

  • Clean Energy Leadership Award: Maria Redmond Advancing Wisconsin’s clean energy plan
  • Clean Energy Community Impact Award: Isaiah Ness Helping disadvantaged communities transition away from fossil fuels
  • Clean Energy Advocate of the Year: Abby Novinska-Lois Mobilizing health professionals as climate advocates
  • Clean Energy Catalyst of the Year: Doral Developing Wisconsin’s largest solar project
  • Member of the Year: Midwest Solar Power Supporting RENEW Wisconsin and increasing access to clean energy

The ceremony will conclude with the 2023 Clean Energy Honor Roll, in which RENEW will recognize 13 clean energy projects in Wisconsin that recently commenced operation. Whether on the basis of their productivity, innovativeness, attention to detail, scale, resourcefulness, or efficacy in reducing carbon emissions, these projects showcase the skills and know-how Wisconsin stakeholders bring to the clean energy marketplace.

Clean Energy Honor Roll:

  • Menominee Nation Elder Homes, Menominee Nation
    Solar and battery backup installations
  • Edgerton Retirement Apartments, Edgerton
    Solar-powered retirement apartments
  • Centro, Madison
    Solar-powered nonprofit facility
  • Kwik Charge, Ashland, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, West Salem
    DC fast-charging stations at four western Wisconsin locations
  • Grant County Solar, Potosi
    200-megawatt utility-scale solar installation with battery storage
  • Charter Steel, Saukville
    Largest behind-the-meter solar project in Wisconsin
  • Paris Solar Farm, Kenosha County
    200-megawatt utility-scale solar installation
  • The Sonnentag Events Center and Fieldhouse, Eau Claire
    Sustainable multi-use community complex
  • Dane County Humane Society Flight Pen, Madison
    50-kilowatt flight pen for birds of prey
  • Holiday Ford Building and Collision Center, Fond du Lac
    469-kilowatt solar array and EV charging station
  • Green Bay Area Public School District, Green Bay
    Solar generation on schools
  • Granite Ridge Elementary School, Cottage Grove
    Solar generation on schools
  • Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison
    Solar generation on schools
  • Nicolet High School, Glendale
    Solar generation on schools
  • Badger Hollow Solar Park, Iowa County
    300-megawatt utility-scale solar installation

The award ceremonies will be held in two parts, with the first highlighting the individual awards and the second focusing on the Clean Energy Honor Roll, in which RENEW will recognize both people and projects for their role in the clean energy transition. Whether on the basis of their productivity, innovativeness, attention to detail, scale, resourcefulness, or efficacy in reducing carbon emissions, these accomplishments highlight the skills and know-how that Wisconsin stakeholders bring to the clean energy marketplace in the Badger State.

Click here for more information on the 2025 Summit program agenda, speakers, and registration. For press passes, please email Alex Beld (abeld@renewwisconsin.org).

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Sustaining Gilda’s Club Madison Through Solar

On Monday, January 13, Gilda’s Club Madison invited representatives from RENEW Wisconsin, Couillard Solar Foundation, Only in Wisconsin, Glow Solar, and their members to join in the celebration of a monumental achievement. Gilda’s Club with the help of its supporters installed a solar array that will offset 100% of its electrical usage. 

Gilda’s Club was established in 1991 to honor the late comedian, Gilda Radner, with a mission to uplift and strengthen people who are impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. In 2008, Gilda’s Club Madison opened its doors to the Wisconsin community, becoming one of many worldwide affiliates. Over the years, the organization has been a foundational resource for its members in providing free counseling services, social events such as a brunch club, field trips across Dane County, equestrian therapy, and more. 

Glow Solar installed a 31.4-kilowatt solar system. John Reinders, President of Glow Solar shared, “At Glow Solar, we love working with non-profits to design and implement renewable energy solutions that fit their individual goals. In the case of Gilda’s Club, we helped them design and install a system that will meet their goals to offset 100% of their annual electric usage, look great on their building, and continue to serve their clients without worrying about escalating energy costs. The grants from Focus on Energy and Solar for Good help make it a great time for non-profits like Gilda’s Club to pursue their renewable energy goals.”

For many, going solar is a viable opportunity to continue helping their members thrive without having to reduce support for their mission. With the availability of direct pay incentives for nonprofits, organizations like Gilda’s Club Madison are able to enhance their sustainability initiatives and focus more funding toward their mission by going solar. In addition to taking advantage of federal and state funding, the solar project also received support from BIOFerm, Only in Wisconsin (the charitable arm of New Glarus Brewing Company), and Solar for Good, a program funded and founded by the Couillard Solar Foundation and managed by RENEW Wisconsin. 

In reflecting on the long-term impact solar will have on their community, the CEO of Gilda’s Club Madison, Lannia Stenz shared, “We are thrilled to install solar panels at Gilda’s Club Madison, taking a meaningful step toward sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint! This project is a testament to the power of community—thank you to Solar for Good and everyone who made this possible. Your support not only brightens our future but also ensures that Gilda’s Club can continue offering vital resources to those facing cancer, free of charge, for many years to come.”

Beyond solar serving as a responsible financial decision, it’s also an investment in the health and sustainability of Wisconsin communities. In the case of Gilda’s Club Madison, their decision to go solar contributes to cleaner air by reducing carcinogenic air pollutants and offers a promise to their members that they can continue providing support to families and individuals living with cancer. This celebration serves as an important reminder for Wisconsin that when mission-driven organizations, residents, and businesses collectively make an investment in clean energy, they are also making a direct investment into their communities.

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Maple Grove Solar Approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin has approved the Maple Grove Solar project, a 260-megawatt (MW) project with a 50 MW battery which will be located in Barron County, Wisconsin. Commissioned by ibV Energy Partners, this project will produce enough energy to power more than 30,000 homes.

Along with getting us another step closer to our decarbonization goals, Maple Grove Solar will produce significant economic benefits for the surrounding area. During its construction phase, an estimated 608 jobs — 286 of them being local — will be created. Upon completion, the project will support just under 30 long-term jobs with 18 of them being local. In addition, the county and towns that host this project will receive a $1.3 million boost in new yearly tax revenue.

RENEW Wisconsin staff have advocated for the project since it was proposed. Our policy team provided expert testimony and analysis in support of the project, which helped the PSC reach their decision. While sharing the reasoning behind their decision, PSC Commissioner Kristy Nieto directly referenced RENEW staff testimony.

RENEW’s testimony highlighted the various economic advantages of the project along with the benefits for farmers, expected emissions reductions, and general health.

  • Projects like this help to keep farms with families thanks to diversified revenue from the land leases
  • More than 400,000 short tons of carbon emissions will be avoided in the first year of the project’s operation
  • The reduction of emissions can limit additional strain on the rural healthcare system by reducing pollutant-related illnesses

The construction of Maple Grove Solar is expected to be completed sometime in 2029.

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Clean Energy Legislative Update • January 2025

Working with the state legislature is both an art and a science — utilizing expertise and seizing opportunities, as well as continuous relationship-building. With the start of the 2025-26 legislative session, the process is intensified as we welcome new faces and navigate changes. The recent election led to 37 freshmen policymakers for Wisconsin’s legislature, resulting in changes to committee makeup and leadership in the State Assembly and Senate. Here are the highlights.

Senate Leadership

Republicans
Continuing as Majority Leader is Sen. Devin LeMahieu, President Pro Temp is Sen. Patrick Testin, Assistant Majority Leader is Sen. Dan Feyen, and Majority Caucus Chair is Sen. Van Wanggaard.

Changes to the Republican leadership include Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R) as Senate President replacing Sen. Chris Kapenga, and Sen Rachel Cabral-Guevara (R) as Caucus Vice-Chair, replacing Sen. Joan Ballweg who lost her senate re-election.

Democrats
On the Democratic side, continuing in their leadership roles are Minority Leader Sen. Dianne Hesselbein and Assistant Minority Leader Sen. Jeff Smith.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer moved up to the Minority Caucus Chair, replacing Chris Larson, and Sen. Dora Drake became the new Caucus Vice Chair, replacing Sen. Spreitzer.

The Senate makeup now is 18 Republicans – 15 Democrats.

Assembly Leadership

Republicans
Continuing as Speaker is Rep. Robin Vos, Speaker Pro Temp is Rep. Kevin Petersen, and Majority Leader Rep. Tyler August. Caucus leadership continues with Chair Rep. Rob Summerfield, Vice-Chair Rep. Cindi Duchow, Secretary Rep. Nancy VanderMeer, and Sergeant at Arms Rep. Treig Pronschinske.

New to leadership on the Republican side is Rep. Scott Krug (R) as Assistant Majority Leader, replacing retired Rep. Jon Plumer.

Democrats
On the Democratic side, continuing in their Democratic Leadership roles are Minority Leader Rep. Greta Neubauer, Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Kalan Haywood, Caucus Chair Rep. Lisa Subeck, and Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Clinton Anderson.

Changes in Democratic caucus leadership include new Minority Vice Chair Rep. Clinton Anderson, Secretary Rep. Mike Bare, and Sergeant at Arms Rep. Jodi Emerson. They are replacing Reps. Jill Billings, Kristina Shelton (retired), and Lee Snodgrass respectively.

The new Assembly make-up is 54 Republicans – 45 Democrats.

Committees

Senate Utilities and Tourism Committee
The five-member Senate Utilities and Tourism Committee retains Sens. Julian Bradley (R) as chair and Sen. Smith (D). New members are Republican Sens. Feyen, and Jesse James as well as new Senator (former Representative) Melissa Ratcliffe (D).

Assembly Energy & Utilities Committee
The Assembly Energy & Utilities Committee retains Rep. Dave Steffen as Chair, and Republican members Summerfield, Adam Neylon, Shae Sortwell, Paul Tittl, and Travis Tranel with Jerry O’Connor, Calvin Callahan, and Chanz Green joining them.

Returning Democratic members are Subeck and Supreme Moore Omokunde with additions of Rep. Sheila Stubbs and brand-new Rep. Maureen McCarville. The committee has three fewer members now with a total of 13, nine Republicans to four Democrats.

Joint Committee on Finance
The Joint Committee on Finance includes eight Representatives and eight Senators with four of the 16 representing the democratic party. This committee oversees bills with fiscal implications and crafts the state budget. The Co-Chairs remain Sen. Howard Marklein and Rep. Mark Born.

On the Senate Republican side, Sens. Duey Stroebel and Ballweg did not return to the legislature and Sen. Mary Felzkowski left the committee for her Senate President’s role. They were replaced by Sens. Romaine Quinn, Rob Stafsholt, and Bradley. Sen. Bradley also chairs the Senate Utilities and Tourism Committee of interest to us.

The Assembly committee side includes one new member — Rep. Karen Hurd who is replacing retired Rep. Terry Katsma.

More information about various committees and state legislators can be found on the Wisconsin State Legislature’s website https://legis.wisconsin.gov/.

In the upcoming weeks, RENEW staff will be meeting with the freshmen legislators and committee members to start fresh conversations on renewable energy and RENEW’s legislative priorities.

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Clean Technology Wins Achieved Among Recent Rate Hike Decisions Made by PSC

At its November 7 open meeting, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) took up rate increase proposals from both WE Energies and WPS utilities. The PSC either authorized or provided minor modifications to the utilities’ proposed plans for future costs, financials, and rate increases. A Wisconsin Public Radio article summarizes the results and reactions to the PSC’s decisions.

RENEW participated as a party in these rate cases and concentrated our efforts on utility policies, programs, and pricing that influence clean energy adoption for its customers. Although the PSC authorized some significant rate increases, it also authorized clean technology improvements that RENEW proposed and supported in these cases.

As it relates to WE Energies, RENEW has been working to eliminate the utility’s requirement to install two meters for its net energy metering customers, a cost-prohibitive requirement for people considering rooftop solar. WE Energies initially proposed allowing single bidirectional metering no sooner than January 1, 2026. RENEW pushed back on this implementation date, requesting a January 1, 2025 implementation date. The PSC ultimately authorized a compromise of June 1, 2025.

For both WE Energies and WPS utilities, RENEW also proposed an increase to the threshold for commercial customers to install larger “behind-the-meter” (BTM) distributed generation (DG), which, in many cases, is rooftop solar. RENEW proposed an increase from the current 1,000 kilowatts (kW) maximum to 5,000 kW, which is in line with other Wisconsin utilities as well as federal guidance. Although the utilities disagreed with RENEW’s proposal, the PSC ultimately agreed with RENEW and required these utilities to increase their commercial BTM offerings up to 5,000 kW by 2025, allowing commercial customers to increase their energy independence through clean energy. 

Vote Solar also provided testimony regarding utility-avoided costs in relation to more equitable pricing for these larger commercial DG systems, which RENEW supported. While the PSC did not authorize pricing changes in these rate cases, it agreed to investigate these issues further in separate cases in the future.

We also saw changes with the EV pilot program and the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) smart thermostat program for both WE Energies and WPS utilities. In the Electric Vehicle rate case, RENEW supported several changes to benefit EV owners.

  • Increasing a bill credit cap for home charging beyond the initial proposal
  • Allowing customers to own their charging equipment 
  • Utility collaboration on developing a model for a multifamily dwelling EV charging program
  • Maintaining an EV charging rate of 50 kW to ensure the businesses can access a bill credit

The PSC kept the new home charging bill credit at its initially suggested rate of 400kWh and increased the threshold for businesses to access a bill credit to 150kW, going against our recommendations. The PSC did, however, approve the use of customer-owned charging equipment and the need for utilities to develop a model for EV charging at multifamily dwellings, like apartment buildings.

For the BYOD potion of the rate cases, WE Energies requested that their program be identical to Madison Gas and Electric’s original BYOD program with a participation cap of 7,000 devices (or homes). These programs allow utilities to connect to thermostats and adjust temperatures to lower energy use during periods of high use. These programs help save energy, control costs, and help reduce emissions.

RENEW requested a higher participant cap in the smart thermostat program due to We Energies and WPS’s larger customer base. We also asked for increased collaboration to explore future technologies, an earlier implementation date for these programs, and data reporting on participation and savings. The PSC raised the cap to 64,000 participants for WE Energies and 24,000 for WPS, mandated collaboration with RENEW to explore future technologies and ordered data reporting as requested. The PSC set the implementation date for these programs for January 2026 instead of moving up the deadline to the summer of 2025 as suggested by RENEW.

All in all, RENEW staff were able to achieve some focused and notable victories in these cases! Below is a summary of these clean technology policy improvements that will occur starting in 2025:

Applicable to WE Energies and WPS:

  • Large BTM DG systems are currently limited to 1,000 kW, but after RENEW’s testimony and recommendations the PSC will increase to 5,000 kW systems
  • PSC will take up several utility-avoided cost issues in new dockets
  • PSC authorized new BYOD smart thermostat pilot programs
  • PSC authorized improvements to both residential and commercial EV charging programs

Specific to WE Energies:

  • PSC authorized a compromise for bidirectional metering for net energy metering customers, with an implementation date of June 1, 2025.

The post Clean Technology Wins Achieved Among Recent Rate Hike Decisions Made by PSC appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Help Ensure a Smooth Application Process for Badger Hollow Wind

The Badger Hollow Wind Energy project in Iowa and Grant counties, Wisconsin, will generate clean, Wisconsin-made energy to help meet our state’s growing electricity demand. Ensure the approval process for this project starts strong by submitting comments to the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC).

In your comments, share why you value clean energy and urge the PSC to include the benefits of Badger Hollow Wind in their environmental impact documents. Share how the 118-megawatt project will significantly reduce emissions for our state, fighting the impacts of climate change while reducing human exposure to harmful emissions.

Wind energy plays a significant role in our clean energy mix and projects like this are necessary to meet our 2050 net-zero emissions goals. Submit your comments to the PSC by the December 19 deadline to help Wisconsin add another clean energy project to the mix!

       

Your Advocacy in Action

Thanks to your support, last week the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin approved the Vista Sands solar project at its full size of 1.3 gigawatts. The impact of this decision is difficult to understate, and without you this would not have been possible. Your efforts will result in the removal of more than 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions each year. Every project your support gets us closer to our net-zero goals!

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Powering the Future: How Microgrids are Transforming Energy Resilience and Sustainability

Imagine a smaller, self-sufficient version of our main electricity grid that can power neighborhoods, communities, and even single homes. That’s the basic idea behind a microgrid – a localized energy system designed to produce and use power independently or in tandem with the larger grid.

Microgrids and traditional grids have similar components. Both rely on electricity production and send that energy where it is needed, also known as a load. Both ensure a match between energy production and the amount of energy needed. Microgrids are used for many reasons, including grid independence, security from natural disasters, or simply lowering community energy costs.

Microgrids can utilize some of the best clean technology by incorporating batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal technology, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and smart appliances to increase their efficiency.

Natural Disaster Relief

With the increase in natural disasters, energy security – not just at the national level but also at the local level – has become increasingly important. Microgrids offer energy security during outages.

A great example of microgrid innovation is a partnership between Alliant Energy and the village of Boaz in Richland County. This project demonstrates a simple microgrid, called a community microgrid, that provides energy to the 200 residents during grid power outages. Depending on its size and capacity, the microgrid can serve a community’s emergency response centers, water and wastewater treatment plants, grocery stores, fueling stations, government buildings, shelters, and sometimes the residents’ homes.

The $3 million project in Boaz includes a 400-kilowatt (kW) lithium iron phosphate battery connected to the community’s main distribution line. It supplies enough power for up to eight hours in the event of a grid outage. This setup provides critical power to residents and allows Alliant Energy the necessary time to resolve issues without causing community members to experience a critical loss of energy service.

Critical Infrastructure Support

Uninterruptible power is essential in health care, so reliable and sustainable energy solutions are paramount. Bellin and Gundersen Health Systems – soon to be Emplify—and Xcel Energy have announced a new microgrid project that will create one of the first fully resilient, renewable energy-powered health care campuses in the United States. The project, set to be completed in 2026, offers an example of how complex a microgrid can be.

This microgrid, being built at the Onalaska campus in La Crosse County, is considered a campus microgrid. A campus microgrid serves multiple buildings within a single company or organization. The microgrid will utilize a new battery energy storage system, the campus’s existing rooftop solar, and biogas energy from the La Crosse County landfill. It is expected to manage about 4.5 million kW of power per year, which is about the annual energy use of 411 homes.

This microgrid will allow one of Bellin and Gundersen Health System’s largest campuses to continue operating and providing essential care to the surrounding communities even during a power outage.

Remote Community Energy Supply

Microgrids can also provide critical infrastructure even in the most remote and cold places. The Alaska villages of Shungnak and Kobuk, located within the Arctic Circle, are not connected to the power grid and have relied on three diesel generators for power. Today, they are using a newly constructed hybrid microgrid.

Hybrid microgrids generate power using two or more locally sourced energy sources, such as wind and solar and include a battery for energy storage. These systems can connect to the main grid or operate independently (islanded), providing flexible and reliable power. The microgrid in Shungnak and Kobuk utilizes 233-kW of solar, 384 kilowatt hours (kWh) of battery storage, the three existing diesel generators, and a control system designed and managed by Ageto Energy.

The microgrid has saved these communities and their 450 residents over $200,000 in annual fuel costs while also protecting them from the fluctuations of the diesel market.

Vehicle-to-Grid Mobile Microgrids

As electric vehicles become more prevalent, a new technology known as “vehicle-to-grid” is emerging. This technology allows electric vehicles to serve as mobile power sources for the grid. Originally developed as “vehicle-to-load” to power devices directly, vehicle-to-grid technology extends this capability by enabling electric vehicles to supply electricity back to the grid, effectively turning them into mobile microgrids. A few utilities around the country have started to explore this technology in pilot programs.

Since December 2020, five electric school buses from Lion Electric in White Plains, New York, have been providing power back to the grid when they are not transporting students. This typically occurs during weekends, holidays and summer months, coinciding with peak electrical demand on the grid. With supportive policies and proper charging infrastructure, this same concept could expand to residential owners and commercial fleets, transforming electric vehicles from electricity consumers into valuable contributors to energy resilience.

Conclusion

Microgrids offer communities a way to lower energy costs, supply energy to critical infrastructure, and increase grid resilience. They promote beneficial partnerships between energy providers and the companies and communities they serve. In this way, microgrids offer a glimpse into how clean technology, if implemented properly, can provide cost savings, energy independence, and a healthy environment that can benefit the grid as a whole.

The post Powering the Future: How Microgrids are Transforming Energy Resilience and Sustainability appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Vista Sands Approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) has approved the Vista Sands solar project at its full size of 1.3 gigawatts. The impact of this decision is difficult to overstate, as this project alone will reduce the carbon emissions of our state’s electric sector by nearly 5 percent. This would mean the removal of 1.7 million short tons of carbon emissions each year by producing enough solar energy to power nearly 250,000 typical Wisconsin homes.

The project also has significant economic benefits and is expected to create about 2,200 jobs during the construction period along with 165 long-term jobs. In all the project is estimated to increase Wisconsin’s long-term economic output by more than $50 million. Local governments within the project area will also benefit from annual utility aid payments of $6.5 million through the course of the project’s life.

RENEW Wisconsin staff and our supporters have advocated for the project since it was proposed by the developer, Doral Renewables, LLC. Our policy team provided expert testimony and analysis in support of the project, which helped the PSC reach their decision to approve it. In their decision on Thursday, December 12, the PSC affirmed the collaborative efforts of the developer as it navigated competing opinions surrounding the project.

The project was at risk of being subjected to half-mile setbacks from the Buena Vista Wildlife Area, which would have significantly reduced its size and put the economics of the project in jeopardy. The request for the setback came out of concern for the greater prairie chicken, a threatened species of bird.

RENEW recognizes the need for balance as we work to meet our decarbonization goals and we agree with the PSC that the Doral provided robust collaboration with the many parties interested in the project and surrounding area. Around 90 percent of the project is located more than half a mile from the wildlife area and the developer has set aside additional habitat for greater prairie chicken populations. The developer also eliminated most of the above-ground transmission in their plan, will install bird diverters on fencing, and will fund the maintenance of existing conservation land.

Now that it’s approved, the project is expected to break ground in the spring of next year with an estimated completion date of December 2028. This project sets a new bar for future solar installations across the state.

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Executive Insights November 2024

November might be my favorite month of the year. I realize I might be alone in this feeling, given the loss of vegetation, warmth, and daylight, but it’s genuinely my favorite time of year. I love November because it’s a time for gearing up for bigger things. It’s prepping for the long, cold months of December, January, and February. It’s prepping for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. As a former meteorologist, I always take delight in watching the weather actively turn from fall to winter. In many ways, November is literally the calm before the storm! 

The RENEW team is also gearing up for big things on the horizon. A brand-new state legislature will greet us in 2025, we’re expecting even more renewable energy activity at the Public Service Commission, and we’re prepping for our 14th annual Renewable Energy Summit in February. Thanks to our great staff and members, the Summit has continually grown since 2020, and we expect 2025 to be our biggest -and best- Summit yet!

November is also a time to show thanks and gratitude. A few weeks ago, we launched our Rural Gratitude campaign, to acknowledge the commitment rural Wisconsin communities are making for our energy transition. We often talk about the tangible benefits these projects have for Wisconsin, but we rarely stop to acknowledge our appreciation for the communities that host these projects. Change can be scary for anyone and rural landscapes will most likely experience the most noticeable changes as we transition to clean energy.

There is uncertainty in many parts of our world right now, but it’s important to focus on what we do know and what we can control. Clean energy has enormous momentum, it’s widely popular across political and demographic spectrums, and it’s the right choice for Wisconsin. At RENEW we remain very excited for what’s to come.


Sam Dunaiski
Executive Director

The post Executive Insights November 2024 appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

Clean Energy Works: Rick Zimmerman, manager of resource development, Alliant Energy

By: Alex Beld

Rick Zimmerman has witnessed dozens of renewable energy projects completed over the course of his career, and in recent years he’s seen about a gigawatt (GW) of solar energy projects in Wisconsin as Alliant Energy’s Manager of Resource Development.

His career in renewables started in the early 2000s and was driven by his knowledge of and appreciation for renewables, as well as a small amount of happenstance. His career path gave him the opportunity to work on projects from Vermont all the way to Hawaii, but lately, he’s been happy to keep his focus on Wisconsin with occasional visits to Minnesota or Iowa.

By staying in one area, he’s able to spend more time with his wife and kids and he’s also found himself with time to work on home projects, such as building out his basement during the COVID-19 pandemic or his latest woodworking project.

“I’m a, I’d say a DIYer,” Zimmerman said. “Working either on the house outside or inside the house.”

As a graduate of UW-Madison’s engineering program and an Eagle Scout, he’s been able to apply his knowledge from school and desire to spend time outdoors not only to home projects but also to his work.

He first got a taste for working on renewables while working at an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, M.A. Mortenson. Not only does the large company work across multiple industries, but it also offered plenty of opportunities to get outside for wind turbine projects

M.A. Mortenson had a department specifically for wind projects, but Zimmerman said, “It was a rather small department, as they didn’t want to do layoffs and then huge hires.”

Instead, to manage the ebb and flow of workload in the industry, they had a core staff that managed the department, and then they would gather workers from different offices for projects.

“And then (for a new project) the call went out to the different offices, said hey we need three engineers from your group, what can you do to loan us those engineers?” Zimmerman said. “I was an engineer on loan.”

Through happenstance, he was available when the call went out and became one of the volunteer engineers who would play a role in building out wind energy in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, the first hotbed of midwest construction.

“This was the first renewables from an energy perspective in the area where I lived and worked that I could be a part of,” Zimmerman said. “That was my first taste, I liked it.”

Though his time at M.A. Mortenson wasn’t solely focused on renewables, he didn’t stray far from the industry. By 2012 he would find himself much more directly involved in the energy world working at Alliant Energy.

He got his start at Alliant in the construction department. After some success in that role, he was promoted to project manager, and thanks to some good timing, he found himself working on wind projects once again.

“I got tapped to help with that wind program,” Zimmerman said. “Partly it was coincidentally luck, a couple of my projects had ended and I had some capacity. I had the wind background already from my EPC world so that obviously fit in really well and then I temporarily joined the development department and we didn’t stop.”

From 2018 to about 2020, Zimmerman oversaw the development of a GW of wind energy installed in Iowa. Once that was completed, Alliant turned its attention to Wisconsin to install an additional GW of clean energy, only this time it was solar.

After successfully implementing a GW of solar over 12 projects, he was promoted from project manager to manager of resource development, overseeing a team of 12.

Regardless of his position, Zimmerman says, “It’s an exciting time to be in the utility industry.”

“For the foreseeable future, everyone is going to need power, and as we’re seeing now, everyone is needing more power,” he said.

From increased need at the residential level to new data centers, Zimmerman said utilities are more regularly being seen as critical infrastructure for the economy to grow.

To meet the demands of the future, Wisconsin will need to continue increasing its clean energy portfolio. To meet our goals, utilities and advocacy groups alike will need to continue working with various communities where these projects are built.

Zimmerman has seen a full spectrum of responses to clean energy projects during his time in the industry. He’s found that particularly in Wisconsin, some love the projects, some hate them, and some even prefer wind turbines over solar panels.

With the variety of challenges faced in Wisconsin, Zimmerman said that at Alliant, “We just thread the needle as best we can. There are pros and cons to every decision we make, we try to make those decisions that give us more pros than cons.”

What it ultimately comes down to is clear and constant communication. Like RENEW, Zimmerman has come across plenty of disinformation on the internet that can be convincing. To learn more about projects and how communities can share their input, Zimmerman recommends going to reliable third-party sources that focus on sharing the facts.

The post Clean Energy Works: Rick Zimmerman, manager of resource development, Alliant Energy appeared first on RENEW Wisconsin.

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