Solar for Good and Solar for Schools are now under one roof at RENEW Wisconsin. The Solar for Good program was created by the Couillard Solar Foundation, and since its inception, we have appreciated Cal and Laurie Couillard’s trust in us to administer the program. This year, things are changing a little bit. As the Couillard Solar Foundation begins to downsize, we are honored that they have decided to further entrust us with Solar for Good as well as the Solar for Schools program.
With these programs now fully housed under RENEW Wisconsin, we intend to merge the two under the Solar for Good name. Though things are shifting behind the scenes, the mission remains the same — making it possible for mission-based nonprofits, schools, and houses of worship to do more good. By making solar power accessible for these vital organizations and institutions, we can reduce energy costs so more dollars can be spent on the missions that serve Wisconsin communities.
Laurie Couillard shared a few words with us on the history of the Couillard Solar Foundation and their decision to downsize.
“The Couillard Solar Foundation began in 2017 with funds from the sale of Componex, Cal’s small manufacturing company in Edgerton. Our family foundation started our mission to reduce the use of fossil fuels by helping nonprofits and schools install solar energy at their facilities across Wisconsin.
Initially, government rebates were unavailable to nonprofits, so our donations made the installations financially within reach. Partnering with RENEW Wisconsin and Midwest Renewable Energy Association, we focused on our programs, Solar for Good and Solar on Schools, and purchased many shipping containers of solar panels for distribution.
Going forward, we hired staff, grew our foundation board, and educated people about the benefits of renewable energy to combat climate change. As a small private foundation, the Couillard Solar Foundation has had limited success in raising additional donations to continue our programs. As the foundation must downsize due to depleted resources, we are delighted that the dedicated staff of our partner, RENEW Wisconsin, is willing to embrace the challenge to continue our effective programs, Solar for Good and Solar on Schools.
Cal and Laurie Couillard will continue to fundraise with RENEW Wisconsin to support these efforts. We are so grateful for the success of these programs and are hopeful that with RENEW Wisconsin at the helm, we’ll continue to add to the three hundred plus completed solar projects throughout nearly every county in Wisconsin.”
As Laurie mentions above, the Solar for Good and Solar for Schools programs have helped to make more than 300 projects possible, through a mix of financial and solar panel grants. RENEW Wisconsin is proud to have been selected by the Couillards to help carry their legacy of generosity and clean energy advocacy forward.
Public comments are open now through February 23 for Muddy Creek Solar, a 322 Megawatt (MW) solar project paired with a 300 MW battery energy storage system. If approved, the solar project will be located in Dunn County and is planned for completion in 2029. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!
You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message.
Muddy Creek Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 322 MW facility in Dunn County has many benefits:
Economic Growth: According to witness testimony provided by David Loomis of Strategic Economic Research, Muddy Creek Solar will create more than 800 temporary jobs during construction, as well as more than 52 good-paying, long-term jobs across Wisconsin due to economic stimulus related to the project.
Community Benefits: Once in service, Muddy Creek Solar will contribute more than $1,605,000 in utility-aid payments each year. $909,500 of this will go to Dunn County, while the remaining $695,000 will go to the Town of Spring Brook. During its 25-year life, the project will contribute a total of over $40 million in utility-aid payments.
Emissions Reductions: Muddy Creek Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 954 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 94,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. Additionally, non-GHG emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits. Wisconsin can expect more than $2 million in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Muddy Creek Solar’s first year of operations alone.
Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Muddy Creek Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.
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 it comes to clean energy home improvements, the first project is rarely the last. In Westby, Wisconsin, one homeowner’s decision to go solar became the foundation for batteries, a smart panel, a heat pump, and future expansion.
To see what that looks like in practice, I joined Erik Amodt, Project Manager, and Tomas Herrera, Customer Experience Integrator, at a home where solar opened up the door to so much more.
Meet the Crew
Ethos Green Power Cooperative was established in Viroqua in 2013 and has grown into a 24-person electric cooperative serving southwest Wisconsin. Getting their start in solar installations, Ethos has expanded into battery storage, integrated electrical systems, and mini-split heat pumps as customer needs evolved.
Erik’s own path into clean energy started in agriculture. He spent years farming before transitioning into solar, bringing with him a practical mindset shaped by mechanical work and problem-solving.
“I grew up up north in Blair,” Erik said. “I did a lot of mechanical work and electrical work on the farm. I went to engineering school for three years, did a lot of math-type stuff, and then I just learned on the job. It worked out just fine.”
“Farmers are good at figuring it out,” he said. “It’s kind of fun to learn, to understand code better and see how all that stuff works.”
Erik is now a co-owner in the cooperative. He and Tomas work closely with homeowners as projects evolve. They’ve seen how often one installation leads to another.
“Electrification doesn’t happen all at once,” Tomas said. “It’s usually a journey.”
A recent customer, Paul, has a home that reflects that progression.
About the Technology
Paul began with solar and then expanded with a solar canopy. A local contractor built a beautiful timber frame structure, and Ethos installed solar on top. What started as an energy project also became a permanent and aesthetic feature on the property.
He later added a tiltable ground-mounted array to improve solar energy production in the winter and is now considering an additional ground mount behind his second array. Along the way, he added battery storage, a Span smart panel, and most recently, a heat pump.
The system integrates solar production with three batteries totaling 15 kilowatt-hours of storage, which offers him about 15 hours of emergency power. The Span panel provides circuit-level usage monitoring and prioritizes essentials like lights and refrigerators during outages.
Erik walked through the system controller first, explaining how power flows from the meter into the Enphase controller before distributing through the Span panel and three batteries.
“Span really shines when you start to have battery backup,” Erik said. “They can just work so seamlessly together.”
For Paul, storage was not just about cost savings. Living in a rural area, outages are periodic and often unpredictable. They can happen even on days when there is not a cloud in the sky. That uncertainty became a concern in his woodworking shop, where losing power mid-operation can create real physical risk.
“One initial concern of mine also was safety of my woodworking machines,” Paul said. “Not losing power during a critical operation.”
It wasn’t just about protecting equipment. It was about protecting himself as well. An abrupt outage, followed by power returning without warning, could create a dangerous situation while operating machinery.
“So we did switch one circuit on that critical machine over to here, to the Span panel, so that it can continue on if there is an outage,” he said.
With battery backup and the Span smart panel managing loads, the system provides a smooth transition between grid power and stored energy. Storage and backup became a way to protect his home, his physical health, and his workspace from unpredictable interruptions that are commonplace in rural areas.
Even the municipal utility came out to observe the installation, given how new the technology was to the area.
“They were thrilled to be able to come down and see this,” Paul said. “They were snapping pictures.”
Why It Matters
Paul’s home reflects a pattern that is increasingly common across Wisconsin. Solar becomes the entry point. Once installed, homeowners begin to understand their energy usage. From there, many build outward: adding storage, integrating mini-split heat pumps, and planning for electric vehicles.
This progression differs from how the industry often frames electrification. The common advice is to optimize the building envelope and electrify everything first, then add solar. In practice, many homeowners start with solar and expand over time.
Repeat customers are not simply a sales metric. They are a reflection of quality work and long-term trust. When systems perform well and installers remain engaged, homeowners return.
Looking Ahead
Paul is not done. He is increasingly interested in the possibility of using his electric vehicle as a battery for his home. Vehicle-to-home integration is already in use across the country and has been used to power homes during power outages caused by severe weather.
For Ethos Green Power Cooperative, repeat customers will likely become even more important as the market evolves.
“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to build good systems and do right by our customers,” Erik said.
In Westby, what began as a single solar installation has grown into a fully integrated energy system. It also reinforces an important lesson for the industry: build it right the first time, and customers will come back when they are ready for the next step.
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.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved the Emerald Bluffs Solar Project, a 225 Megawatt (MW) solar project in Juneau County. This project is planned for completion in the latter half of 2027. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Thanks to the support from the public, we were able to get this project across the finish line!
Emerald Bluffs is another exciting step in the right direction as we work to expand renewable energy across the state. Wisconsin has now reached a point where we have 2089 MW of solar in operation, nearly 4,000 MW approved and in the development phase, and more than 1,000 MW of solar seeking approval from the PSC. Altogether, we’re hopeful that we’ll have nearly 7,500 MW of solar online across Wisconsin in the near future. Together, we can keep this momentum going.
Emerald Bluffs Solar Project’s Benefits Go Beyond Renewable Energy:
Economic Growth: Emerald Bluffs will create nearly 1,000 jobs during construction, as well as more than 20 good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions.
Community Benefits: Once in service, Emerald Bluffs will contribute more than $1,125,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $637,000 of this will go to Juneau County, while the remaining $487,500 will go to the towns of Lemonweir and Seven Mile Creek. During its 35-year life, the project will contribute a total of $39.375 million in utility-aid payments.
Emissions Reductions: Emerald Bluffs will reduce energy production emissions by 746 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 73,500 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits.
Tribal utility, localities, and consumer and environmental groups argue tax guidance illegally hurts renewable energy. WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18, 2025) – A broad array of groups with strong interests in clean and affordable energy sued the IRS and Treasury Department over new rules for tax credits that unfairly and illegally discriminate against wind and solar …
Over the past year, RENEW has expanded its capacity to identify and respond to local barriers to distributed renewable energy (rooftop solar as an example), with a particular focus on identifying and addressing county and town drafting of restrictive local ordinances. RENEW has developed a framework for tracking county and town activity and coordinating with installers and developers on submitting comments to local board meetings. RENEW continues to communicate with county and town boards, when necessary, to advise on policy and legal implications of overly restrictive local regulations on distributed energy resources.
As part of implementing this strategy, RENEW communicated directly with Jefferson County regarding their 2025 Solar Energy Systems Ordinance Draft, providing a detailed legal analysis of how key provisions conflicted with state law and Court of Appeals precedent. RENEW’s analysis resulted in the redrafting of the proposed ordinance. When the ordinance was presented to the County Board of Supervisors, RENEW called for comments from RENEW members and impacted installers and developers. The strategy resulted in the Jefferson County Board returning the proposed ordinance to the zoning committee for further review, to reduce restrictions on solar energy systems.
The experience has helped RENEW identify potential litigation and policy strategies to empower our advocacy for balanced local rules that do not unduly restrict renewable energy production. RENEW is communicating and coordinating with other stakeholders to lay the groundwork for future model ordinance work and to support potential litigation that can clarify local authority on regulating renewable energy siting and production.
In parallel, RENEW has supported homeowners facing Home Owner Association (HOA) barriers to rooftop solar. RENEW worked with two homeowners and prepared a legal advisory letter to the Theofila Estates HOA explaining the limited authority of HOAs under state law, demonstrating how the HOA’s rejection of south-facing solar installations based on aesthetic rules would significantly increase costs, reduce system efficiency, and disqualify projects from Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy rebate, and therefore constitute an unlawful restriction on solar.
Together, this local and HOA focused work is helping RENEW build a practical toolkit that RENEW can deploy statewide to defend solar rights and promote uniform, lawful treatment of distributed renewable energy.
The roof of the Hotel Verdant in Downtown Racine is topped with a green roof planted with sedum and covered with solar panels. (Wisconsin Examiner photo)
A Wisconsin Senate Committee held a public hearing Tuesday on a bill that would allow private companies to construct small solar projects on underutilized farmland and commercial rooftops across the state.
The bill, which would encroach on the monopoly the state’s existing utility companies are allowed to maintain under state law, is being considered while people across the country worry about rising energy costs amid a boom in the construction of data centers and the increased use of electric vehicles and appliances.
Environmental groups in the state have also regularly complained that the utility companies aren’t constructing enough renewable energy projects or sunsetting existing coal and natural gas power plants quickly enough.
The bill, authored by Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) and Rep. Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa), would allow people in Wisconsin to subscribe to get some of their power from a local “community solar” installation. The subscribers would receive credits they can put toward their utility bill. Because the power developed at the local solar installation will still need to travel through the utility company’s infrastructure, the bill includes a provision that all subscribers to the program would have to pay at least $20 per month on their electric bill.
In the hearing of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government, the bill’s authors said allowing community solar projects would increase people’s energy choices while allowing the expansion of solar power in the state that avoids the objections from local residents that often come with large, utility-scale solar projects.
“This change will open a new market sector in a high energy industry, attract economic investments in Wisconsin, create local jobs, drive innovation and competition, and ultimately save consumers and small businesses money on their energy bills,” Testin said.
But the authors also acknowledged there is still a lot of disagreement over the details and the bill is not yet in its final form.
“We’re not exactly there yet. We’re not all agreeing on this being the best way forward just yet, but this public hearing is a really important step to vet that out a little bit more to get us closer to that answer,” Krug said. “So yes, there are still some kinks to work out between the utilities and individuals who want a more market-based approach to solar. I hope we can work through those issues here.”
Over the hearing’s three and a half hours, the testimony split among two groups — the utility companies who are opposed to the bill and a coalition of solar companies, economists, farmers and employers who are in favor.
The utility companies accused the bill of creating a “shell game” that would lower the costs for the subscribers of a given project while raising electric bills for everyone else. Zack Hill, testifying on behalf of Alliant Energy, said the utility estimated that community solar would result in an additional $8.75 billion in costs for ratepayers over the next 25 years.
“How does [the bill] pay for subscribers 10 to 20% energy savings? The short answer: It will shift costs to your other constituents,” Hill said. “Some have said this sounds like community solar voodoo economics, but all you have to remember is this, when a company promises you a discount, someone else has to pay for it.”
People in favor of the bill argued that the generation of more energy could only help lower energy costs while disputing the utility companies’ claims. Will Flanders, the research director at the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, also said the utilities’ estimates undervalue the benefits that community solar can add.
“This is a model that expands energy choice without large subsidies, without mandates, without turning more power over to monopoly utilities,” Flanders said. “In fact, it introduces competition at a time when Wisconsin needs it the most.”
“We argue that community solar can deliver net savings to the entire system,” he continued. “When we talk about a shell game, what we’re really saying is there’s no real additional resources being put into the system, but obviously there is additional resources being put in when we have these with these programs in place.”
Karl Rabago, a Denver-based energy consultant who testified with Flanders, said that the Alliant $8.75 billion estimate amounted to a threat that if the utilities don’t get to sell the energy, they’ll charge consumers for that loss.
“No one knows where this number comes from, but having seen how utilities make their case in other states, I am 99.9% confident they are basically saying, ‘If we don’t get to make the electricity and sell it, we could potentially lose $8.75 billion and and if we don’t make that money, we’re going to charge you for it anyway,’ and that’s how customer costs could go up,” Rabago said. “That’s the most likely explanation for a histrionic number. The utility position, to summarize, seems to sound a bit like ‘let us do it all and no one gets hurt.’ We’ve heard those kinds of exhortations. Monopolies do it particularly well.”
Toward the end of the hearing, a number of Wisconsin property owners testified, touting the benefits they’ll receive if they’re able to allow solar projects to be constructed on their land.
Duane Hinchley, a Cambridge dairy farmer, said community solar is an “innovative solution” that can give farmers a stable income to hedge against the risks in the agriculture business. Plus, he said, allowing farmers to participate will prevent land that has been farmed for generations from being developed into subdivisions.
“With the right policies in place, our state’s proud agricultural heritage can be a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s clean energy future,” Hinchley said.
But throughout the day, lawmakers from both parties appeared skeptical of the bill’s benefits.
Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) said repeatedly he didn’t understand how the program would work for the utility companies.
“It sounds like a shell game to me,” he said. “I just, I’m really having a challenge with trying to figure out how that would work, because it would seem to me that the energy company, the regulated company, is the one that’s going to be footing the bill for this.”
Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) questioned how the program wouldn’t eventually raise energy costs for non-participants, but said one selling point for the bill was that it would encourage the increased development of renewable energy.
“I heard you say this is going to force more solar to be built, whether or not you need it,” Spreitzer said to a utility company representative. “And I guess that, to me, is the one selling point of the bill. Is that I look at where we’ve been in the landscape lately, where we have, unfortunately, federal incentives for solar that are going away. We have increasing demand for power from data centers. We’re seeing new natural gas plants get built. We’re seeing coal plants not being retired, when we hoped they would. To me, there’s plenty of need for solar.”
If the utility companies won’t support a community solar proposal, Spreitzer wondered, what do they need from the Legislature to encourage more solar development?
“And so if we’re not going to go down this route, what are the incentives that you all need to make sure that we can continue to drive solar development without increasing rates for customers and without saying, ‘let’s go build a natural gas plant instead?” he asked.
Anti-rights of nature bill
Also on Tuesday, the committee heard testimony on a bill from Sen. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) that would prohibit local governments in Wisconsin from enacting “rights of nature” ordinances, which grant natural elements legal rights that can be protected in court.
Nass said in his testimony that the idea is anti-American and is contrary to the values of the U.S. Constitution.
“This is a radical departure from our current law. Rights are something that human beings have,” Nass said. “This concept of granting nature rights is something that has been done primarily in foreign countries … and many of these countries lean dramatically towards socialism and communism, and their attitude is not compatible with private property rights in our country.”
But proponents of rights of nature resolutions frequently point to the fact that corporations are granted rights under U.S. law. Communities including Green Bay and Milwaukee have passed or begun drafting rights of nature ordinances and some Democratic lawmakers have introduced a bill that would grant Devil’s Lake State Park some rights that can be protected in court.
In a statement after the hearing, Rep. Vincent Miresse (D-Stevens Point), one of the co-authors of the Democratic proposal, wrote, “As we heard from advocates today, Rights of Nature is one of the strongest tools local governments have to protect clean air, clean water and healthy soil for future generations — so that our grandchildren, and their children after them, can drink our waters, eat food grown in our soils, and hunt in our forests.”
Public comments are open now through December 12 for Akron Solar, a 200 Megawatt (MW) solar project. If approved, the solar project will be located in Adams and Wood Counties and is planned for completion in the latter half of 2029. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!
You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message.
Akron Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 200 MW facility in Adams and Wood Counties has many benefits:
Economic Growth: According to a report by Strategic Economic Research, Akron Solar will create more than 450 jobs during construction, as well as more than 14 good-paying, long-term positions in Adams and Wood Counties.
Community Benefits: Once in service, Akron Solar will contribute more than $1,000,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $566,000 of this will go to the counties, while the remaining $433,33 will go to the towns of Rome and Saratoga. During its 25-year life, the project will contribute a total of at least $25million in utility-aid payments.
Emissions Reductions: Akron Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 650 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 64,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits. Wisconsin can expect more than $1.4 million in economic benefits associated with public health improvements in Akron Solar’s first year of operations alone.
Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Akron Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.
On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved Porchlight Solar, a 163.8 Megawatt (MW) solar project paired with a 50 MW battery in Portage County. In their verbal decision, PSC commissioners noted that the team behind the project made a good effort to work with community members on this project. The commission also noted the many positive comments that came through in support of this project, including RENEW’s. If you submitted a comment in support of this project, thank you for helping us get this project across the finish line!
Porchlight Solar is another exciting step forward as we work to meet our clean energy goals. Wisconsin has now reached a point where we have 2089 MW of solar in operation, 3738 MW approved and in the development phase, and more than 1,600 MW of solar seeking approval from the PSC. Altogether, we’re hopeful that we’ll have nearly 7,500 MW of solar online across Wisconsin in the near future. Together, we can keep this momentum going.
Porchlight Solar’s Benefits Go Beyond Clean Energy:
Economic Growth: Porchlight Solar will create between 200 to 300 jobs during construction, as well as good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions.
Community Benefits: Once in service, Porchlight Solar will contribute more than $800,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $460,000 of this will go to Portage County, $273,000 will go to the town of Buena Vista, and just over $80,000 will go to the town of Pine Grove. During its 30-year life, the project will contribute a total of $24.4 million in utility-aid payments. In other municipalities, funds like these have gone toward roads, municipal buildings, and first responder resources.
Landowner Engagement: Porchlight Solar has signed land leases with farmers who produce potatoes, corn, and soybeans, according to the application from the developer. When farmers and landowners sign 25-plus-year leases to host solar projects like Porchlight, they are able to rely on long-term, stable revenue.
Emissions Reductions: Porchlight Solar will reduce energy production emissions by 530 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 53,000 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits.
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Holy Spirit Parish in Stevens Point welcomed parishioners, families, students, and community members for a ribbon-cutting celebration marking the completion of two new solar arrays. The event highlighted the parish’s commitment to caring for creation and investing in the future of its congregation and school.
The project was supported through the Solar for Good program, funded by the Couillard Solar Foundation and managed by RENEW Wisconsin. Olson Solar Energy served as the installer and guided the parish through the technical, insurance, and design steps needed to bring the project forward.
Guided by Faith and Stewardship
The idea for the solar project began within Holy Spirit Parish’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. Their members shared that a central belief guided them through each stage of planning and conversations with parish leadership.
“Faith calls us to be stewards of the land, and that means the planet is part of what we are called to care for.”
This perspective shaped the committee’s vision and helped carry the parish through a process that required patience and collaboration. Insurance reviews and utility requirements brought several design changes, and the team worked closely with Olson Solar Energy to adapt and keep the project moving.
Collaboration and Commitment
“This really was the work of so many people. It took time, effort, and a lot of expertise from members of our congregation. Everyone played a part, from researching and planning to helping with outreach and fundraising. It is something we can all be proud of because it truly belongs to this community,” said Susan Zach, a member of Holy Spirit Parish’s Environmental Committee.
The project was originally planned as a single array on the church roof. As design and interconnection requirements evolved, the plan expanded to include a second array on the school. Olson Solar Energy worked with the parish through each iteration, helping resolve insurance questions, coordinating two separate meters, and staying flexible as the project shifted. Their responsiveness was referenced several times during the event.
A Project That Gives Back and a Community Celebration
Both systems are under 20 kilowatts, allowing the parish and school to qualify for net metering and receive credits on their energy bills. Olson Solar Energy estimates that the project will save the parish and school about $100,000 in avoided energy costs over the life of the system. These savings will support classrooms, programs, and facility improvements that strengthen Holy Spirit Parish and School.
During the celebration, parish leaders and school staff reflected on the project’s journey and the teamwork that carried it forward. It was clear from the gratitude shared throughout the room that this project was rooted in community. A strong sense of place, care for creation, and pride in working together shaped every step of the process.
“We are proud to be the first Catholic parish in the La Crosse Diocese to install solar on our property. This project reflects both our faith and our responsibility to care for the gifts we have been given. It is our hope that others in the diocese will see what is possible and join us in taking steps toward sustainability,” said Fr. Steve Brice, pastor of Holy Spirit Parish.
BOGOTÁ, NOV. 12, 2025 – Atlas Renewable Energy, a leading international provider of renewable energy solutions, officially inaugurated the Shangri-La solar project, located in Ibagué, Tolima. It marks the start of operations of its first project in the country. Shangri-La has an installed capacity of 201 MWp, representing a decisive step in the expansion of …
Earlier this year, Congress and President Trump pushed the One Big Beautiful Bill through the federal government. The massive budget reconciliation package did many things—one in particular directly impacts the residential solar industry.
After December 31, 2025, homeowners will no longer be eligible for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D). This applies to residential solar and a few other clean energy technologies. The tax credit will only be available for projects that are fully installed, operational, and legally interconnected by the December 31 deadline. This is the most conservative interpretation of the requirements. We recommend consulting a tax attorney to get the most up-to-date information.
Many solar installers are booked through the end of the year and even well into 2026. At this point, if you are not already working with an installer, we recommend that you exercise caution about any business that tells you they can complete the project in time for you to get the tax credit.
If you are still in the market for solar, please consider looking through our list of business members to find a reputable company. Some of our members are even offering discounts on installations for 2026 to make up for the loss of the tax credit. When pursuing solar power, we recommend you get multiple quotes and use a local installer. You can review our map of installers here.
The Solar for Good grant program has awarded over $100,000 in grants and solar panel donations to Wisconsin nonprofit organizations for the Fall 2025 grant round. Thanks to a generous donation from the Couillard Solar Foundation, the 11 nonprofits will install 911 panels for nearly 500 kilowatts of solar electricity, leading to more than $1.87 million in renewable energy investments in Wisconsin. These grants are the second round delivered this year. An additional 15 nonprofits received grants this spring.
The following organizations have been awarded Fall 2025 Solar for Good grants to install new solar energy systems:
The grant recipients from the Fall 2025 grant round are a diverse range of organizations, representing affordable housing organizations, schools, and houses of worship. Each organization’s solar project will have a significant impact on their budget and will allow them to focus more funds on their missions.
“We’re always excited to see the wide variety of grantees who are making the decision to use a clean energy resource like solar power,” said Jackie Harrison-Jewell, Executive Director of the Couillard Solar Foundation. “With the withdrawal of grant support for many clean energy projects and nonprofits this year, as well as the shuttering of tax credits for solar investment in the coming months, it’s especially heartening to see these Wisconsin nonprofits really commit to supporting their communities by reducing their energy use, reducing their utility bills, and helping to make Wisconsin a healthier place to live and work. We want to welcome all of our 2025 grant recipients to the growing community of solar-powered nonprofits we have in our state.”
Through the assistance from Solar for Good grants, these 10 projects will accelerate Wisconsin’s transition to solar energy, facilitating the expansion of environmental stewardship and energy savings. As Solar for Good looks ahead to future grant rounds, the program remains committed to supporting nonprofits and houses of worship across the state of Wisconsin by supporting organizations in their efforts to contribute to a positive environmental impact, enhance economic advancement in Wisconsin, and strengthen their ability to aid the communities they serve.
Public comments are open now through November 3 for Emerald Bluffs Solar Park, a 225 Megawatt (MW) solar project. If approved, the solar project will be located in Juneau County and is planned for completion in the latter half of 2027. Projects like this have a wide range of local and statewide benefits. Show your support for this project and tell the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) why you support the approval of a vital solar project in Wisconsin!
You can use some of the listed benefits below to help you craft your message. You can also review RENEW’s public comment here –RENEW Wisconsin’s Public Comment
Emerald Bluffs Solar isn’t just about the clean energy it will produce. The 225 MW facility in Juneau County has many benefits:
Economic Growth: Emerald Bluffs will create nearly 1,000 jobs during construction, as well as more than 20 good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions.
Community Benefits: Once in service, Emerald Bluffs will contribute more than $1,125,000 in utility-aid payments each year. Over $637,000 of this will go to Juneau County, while the remaining $487,500 will go to the towns of Lemonweir and Seven Mile Creek. During its 35-year life, the project will contribute a total of $39.375 million in utility-aid payments.
Emissions Reductions: Emerald Bluffs will reduce energy production emissions by 746 million pounds of CO2 in the first year of operations. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, this is the equivalent of taking more than 73,500 vehicles off the road for a full year. These emissions reductions will result in health, economic, and environmental benefits.
Submit your comments today and tell the PSC you support the approval of Emerald Bluffs Solar. Feel free to use some of the bullet points above to craft your own unique message.
As more homes in the UK move away from gas heating systems, the need for a sustainable but effective method of heating and providing hot water for the home has become paramount. Heat pumps are rapidly emerging as a lead player in the game of decarbonised energy systems. But they are more than just efficient …
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.
The heart of many Wisconsin communities is the local school district, and that is certainly true in Amherst. When Amherst High School decided to install a rooftop solar array, it was not just about saving money on energy. It was about helping students see renewable energy in action every day. Through the Solar on Schools program, supported by the Couillard Solar Foundation and administered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), the district added a solar system that both powers the school and offers hands-on educational value.
To see how this project came together, I joined Isaiah “Zay” Miller, Commercial Project Manager at Northwind Solar, a worker-owned cooperative based in Amherst, WI.
Meet the Crew
Zay’s path into solar started with curiosity and a willingness to learn. He got his start in 2018, doing mostly residential rooftop installations with almost no construction experience under his belt.
He quickly found his footing at Northwind. Within a few months, he was leading the DC side on commercial projects, later moving into Field Manager and Project Manager roles. Today, he oversees commercial systems and handles much of the design work.
Having worked in nearly every position in the company, Zay brings a deep understanding of what it takes to install systems safely and efficiently.
Before joining Northwind, Zay studied ecological engineering at Oregon State University. His background in water systems gave him a useful way to think about energy. “It’s all systems thinking,” he said. “How water moves, how power moves, it’s just a different medium.”
At around 7 years with Northwind, Zay is now a member-owner of the company. Northwind operates as a worker-owned cooperative, which shapes how the company approaches its projects.
“You have to work here for two years before you can buy in,” Zay said. “The cooperative model means we make decisions together. It’s a shared responsibility.”
About the Technology
The Amherst High School system was designed to match how the building actually uses power. The panels sit above the cafeteria because that section of the roof is closest to the cafeteria’s service connection and where the school’s electricity demand peaks.
Zay explained that the cafeteria experiences the highest energy demand during the day, especially around lunchtime when kitchen equipment, lighting, and ventilation are all running. The system was designed and sized to offset that exact peak. “That’s what makes the system efficient. It’s tied to real usage, not just open roof space,” he said.
On top of the school, the array sits on a weighted mounting system designed to rest securely on the roof without drilling into it.
“Flat roofs are never truly flat,” Zay said. “There’s always a slope for drainage, so we adjusted the racking to make sure everything sat evenly.”
Zay explained that the layout was built with flexibility in mind, allowing the district to expand the system later or connect to another service point if they decide to increase their solar capacity.
Why It Matters
For Zay, the Amherst project shows how clean energy can fit naturally into community spaces. “This work builds community,” he said. “It’s local jobs, local power, and you can see what you’ve built every time you drive by.”
He also emphasizes that success in solar depends on strong trade skills and an eye for detail. Carpentry, measurement, and problem-solving often matter more than electrical training at first. Many of the best installers, he noted, come from farming, construction, or mechanical backgrounds where those instincts are second nature.
Zay sees solar installation as a skilled trade that blends craftsmanship, teamwork, and purpose. Many of the people he works with come from different backgrounds and discover the field by chance, but stay because the work is meaningful. As he put it, “Being able to think ahead and problem-solve is what separates a good installer from a great one.”
Looking Ahead
Zay sees a future where solar projects continue to connect people to both energy and place. He is particularly interested in the potential of agrivoltaics, an approach that allows land to be used for both solar generation and agriculture. By combining the two, solar arrays can produce clean energy while also supporting crop growth and improving soil health. To Zay, this kind of dual-purpose design shows how renewable energy can work in harmony with Wisconsin’s agricultural roots rather than compete with them.
He also sees value in bringing policymakers and educators closer to the field. “It’s great when people from the policy side come out here,” he said. “A lot of the challenges we deal with, like permitting delays or utility rules, aren’t visible from an office.”
As Amherst High School’s system begins generating power, it reflects the kind of thoughtful design and craftsmanship that defines Northwind’s approach. For Zay, it is another example of what good planning and teamwork can accomplish.
“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to build good systems and do right by our customers and our team,” he said.
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.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, The Nature Place in La Crosse celebrated the installation of a rooftop solar array that will power its programs and deepen its mission: cultivating meaningful connections between people and nature, for the benefit of both. Partners, supporters, and community members helped recognize these exciting renewable energy milestones as a manifestation of community, education, and the shared vision of creating a healthier environment for generations to come.
A Mission Rooted in Connection
Affectionately known as “nature’s living room,” The Nature Place is a nature-focused community center for La Crosse and beyond. Its doors are open year-round to people of all ages, inviting them to learn, gather, and connect with the natural world. From hands-on school programs and family nature days to science-based community events, camps, and inclusive gatherings, The Nature Place fosters joy, curiosity, and belonging.
This new solar project builds on that mission by showing how sustainability can be woven into daily life. By bringing renewable energy to the rooftop, The Nature Place is helping people understand the power of clean energy and the ripple effects it can have on both the environment and the community.
A Day of Celebration
The ribbon-cutting event was filled with gratitude and excitement. The program began with remarks from Mary Freybler, Director of Development at Central Conservation; Rebecca Schwarz, Director of The Nature Place; and trustees Carolyn and Joy Scott. Their reflections highlighted the vision and perseverance that brought the project to life.
The La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce provided the ribbon-cutting, marking the official celebration of this milestone. Representatives Aaron Benson and Josh Barbara from Solar Connection, the installer of the solar system, shared an overview of the project and its anticipated impact. After the ceremony, attendees gathered inside for refreshments, tours of The Nature Place, and time to reflect on the significance of the day.
Powering the Future with Solar
The newly installed 79-kilowatt rooftop solar array, comprising 120 panels, will offset an estimated 68% of The Nature Place’s annual electricity use, immediately reducing energy costs while lowering its carbon footprint. The system’s lifetime impact is equivalent to driving 230,240 fewer miles, conserving 1,425,106 pounds of coal, and planting 34,203 trees.
The installation is both a technical achievement and a teaching tool. Real-time data on energy production will be incorporated into educational programming, giving students and visitors a direct way to see the benefits of renewable energy in action. Estimated annual energy cost savings of roughly $12,000 will be reinvested into operations and programs, strengthening The Nature Place’s ability to serve the greater La Crosse community.
Partners in Sustainability
This project was made possible thanks to a network of generous partners and supporters who believe in the power of clean energy to transform communities. The Couillard Solar Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the transition to clean energy for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, provided a solar panel grant through the Solar for Good Program to help make the installation a reality. Additional support came from the Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation and the Solar Moonshot Program, BQuest Foundation, Focus on Energy, and The Paul Fleckenstein Trust. Other major donations came from The Nature Place community members Kathie & Rob Tyser, the Cleary Family, Michael Aleckson, and other community donors.
A Brighter Path Forward
The solar installation is part of a broader commitment to sustainability at The Nature Place. Previous upgrades, such as efficient lighting and occupancy sensors, have already reduced energy use. Looking ahead, the organization plans to build on this momentum with a new outdoor pavilion/classroom powered by solar energy, sustainable renovations to an existing barn to transform it into a community event/education space, and future HVAC system upgrades to further increase efficiency.
By installing solar, The Nature Place has tangibly invested in La Crosse’s community, environment, and clean energy future. By reducing operating costs, the organization can channel more resources into the experiences that inspire and connect community members to the natural world. By showcasing solar power in action, it provides a living classroom for sustainability. Through support and collaboration with donors, partners, and supporters, it proves that when a community comes together, remarkable change is possible.
On Thursday, September 25, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) approved two utility-scale clean energy projects. Collectively, Badger Hollow Wind (Iowa and Grant Counties) and Whitewater Solar (Jefferson and Walworth Counties) add up to 298 Megawatts (MW) of clean energy!
Badger Hollow Wind
Starting with Badger Hollow Wind—the first 100+ MW project in more than a decade at 118 MW—is a major step forward in Wisconsin’s clean energy future. To meet our net-zero goals, we need to install about 21 Gigawatts of wind energy by 2050.
In taking up the Badger Hollow Wind application, the PSC addressed several issues. In their decision, they considered the requirements of Wisconsin’s wind siting rules and determined that the wind project is in full compliance with sound, shadow flicker, decommissioning, and more.
The PSC also noted public confusion about primary and alternative turbine sites, which are a required part of the process, and limited the wind project to no more than 19 wind turbine sites for the purposes of public clarity. They also applauded the use of an Aircraft Detection Lighting System (ADLS) to reduce blinking lights at night. While the Federal Aviation Administration requires blinking lights to avoid aviation incidents, ADLS will greatly reduce the frequency of blinking, and this will mark the first use of this new technology in Wisconsin!
Expanding the state’s portfolio of wind energy is essential to ensuring we have reliable, clean energy round-the-clock, but that’s not all the project will accomplish. In the testimony RENEW filed with the PSC to support this project, we highlighted several local and statewide benefits.
Benefits of Badger Hollow Wind:
Economic Growth: Badger Hollow Wind will create hundreds of jobs during construction, as well as good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions. The project is expected to produce $3.2 million in additional economic activity in Wisconsin.
Community Benefits: 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 has been 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 intends to go the extra mile by building access roads to turbines that farmers can use for their operations.
Whitewater Solar
Whitewater Solar, unlike Badger Hollow Wind, is one of many solar projects to get approved over the last few years, but we’re excited all the same. The 180 MW project takes us another leap forward toward meeting our clean energy goals.
Just as we did with Badger Hollow Wind, RENEW filed testimony with the PSC to show how Whitewater Solar will benefit the state and the communities the project will call home.
During the open meeting, the PSC dove into proposed modifications and conditions to the solar project. Along with standard conditions, the PSC approved additional requirements that address concerns specific to the Whitewater Solar project. In particular, the PSC will require conditions related to the location used for temporary storage of construction equipment, a filing of signed Joint Development Agreements with local governments, and a landowner complaint process to make it easier for the developer to work with local residents before commencing construction.
Benefits of Whitewater Solar:
Economic Growth: Whitewater Solar will create hundreds of jobs during construction, as well as good-paying, long-term operations and maintenance positions. 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 produce additional revenue for local governments to use to fix roads and support local municipal services, all without creating an additional tax burden for residents.
Collectively, these two projects will reduce emissions by 543,000 tons of CO2 in their first year of operation, which would otherwise come from fossil fuel generators if these projects were never built. This means cleaner air and water, along with mitigating climate change. If you expand that over the lifetime of each of these projects, that would lead to millions of tons of CO2 that we don’t send into our atmosphere. These projects will also lead to reductions in particulate matter and ozone pollution, which means healthier outcomes and reduced healthcare costs for Wisconsin residents. Those who suffer from asthma or have heart conditions are particularly at risk when it comes to air pollution.
Thanks to everyone who helped get these projects across the finish line. Comments from the public, testimony from our partners, and the work on the ground in communities across the state are needed for every project. Through our collective action, we make our clean energy future a reality.
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 step into a school, hospital, or office building, you probably notice if it feels bright, fresh, and comfortable. What you do not see are the systems behind the walls and above the ceilings that make that comfort possible. Mike Barnett, a mechanical engineer with a passion for the environment, has built his career making sure those systems not only function well but also contribute to a healthier future. At HGA, a national architecture and engineering firm with a strong presence in Wisconsin, Mike works within the Building Performance group to ensure that buildings are efficient, sustainable, and designed for people to thrive.
Meet the Crew
For Mike, the path into this work started with a question: how do you connect technical expertise with sustainability? With a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in environmental studies, he had both the technical training and environmental awareness, but his first job out of college didn’t provide the connection he wanted.
“I moved back to Madison and found a position that combined my interests for the technical and sustainable, working with building owners to make their buildings more efficient,” Mike said.
His return home marked the beginning of a career that perfectly balances curiosity with impact. “Building systems are more than just the sum of their parts. Systems need to work together in an efficient manner,” Mike explained.
He thrives on the challenge of integrating heating, cooling, lighting, and airflow so that a building feels effortless to those inside it. And while the technology is complex, the work is rooted in relationships. Those partnerships, built one project at a time, are what make his work meaningful.
“I have really enjoyed collaborating with tradespeople over the years on solving complicated problems related to HVAC controls in commercial buildings,” he said.
About the Technology
HGA’s Building Performance group has a simple but essential mission: To make sure the systems perform the way they were intended. A central part of this work is commissioning. Commissioning is one of the last steps in the building process. It involves testing a building’s systems once construction is complete to confirm everything works the way it was designed. That can involve checking HVAC airflow, verifying that lighting and controls respond properly, or ensuring the building envelope is sealed against leaks.
Mike describes it as “not a very well-known aspect of the construction process, but I have come to appreciate how important commissioning is to realizing the original sustainability and energy goals of a project.”
On one hospital project, Mike explained that his team discovered a hidden air leak between an operating room and a main clinic space. If left unresolved, the leak could have spread contaminated air, threatening patient safety and sanitation. Because it was caught during commissioning, the issue was fixed before the hospital opened. For Mike, moments like this prove why commissioning is essential: it prevents costly problems, protects health, and ensures buildings truly deliver on their sustainability and energy goals.
Why It Matters
Mike knows that sustainable design is only successful if it is embraced by leadership. It’s his opinion that sustainability has to be a priority of the leaders of that organization. That is why he always frames the benefits in ways that resonate. In schools, it means healthier classrooms and lower operating costs. In hospitals, it is about better patient care and stronger staff retention.
One standout project for Mike is Forest Edge Elementary, the state’s first all-electric net-zero school. The school not only reflects the district’s long-standing environmental values but also delivers lasting savings.
“Oregon School District has always been a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, and Forest Edge continued to be a concrete example of the district living its values and doing so in a way that provided long-term financial savings to the district,” Mike said. “I’d love to turn back time and attend elementary school at Forest Edge!”
For Mike, these projects are about more than technical achievement. “At the end of the day, we do this so people can thrive in better spaces,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As buildings become more efficient in their daily operation, Mike sees attention shifting toward the carbon footprint of the materials themselves. HGA is already at the forefront, designing with mass timber and committing to SE 2050, a national pledge to achieve net zero embodied carbon in structural systems by 2050.
“As buildings continue to operate more efficiently and utilize clean energy as their fuel, embodied carbon will receive more attention as building owners continue to find ways to lower their carbon footprint,” Mike said.
Just as important is Mike’s desire to inspire others to step into this work. They could do this by getting involved in their local community. Mike has found that there are many great opportunities to get exposed to sustainability in buildings. His local high school’s green team, which spearheaded the installation of solar panels, is one example. For him, it is a reminder that leadership can come from anywhere.
“Even if they do not have aspirations to work directly in the field of architecture, there are opportunities to lead on sustainability,” Mike said. “We all have influence over the collective decisions we make at the organizations we work at and the communities we live.”
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.
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Messiah Lutheran Church celebrated the completion of a 64-kilowatt solar array on its rooftop with a heartfelt dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying a bold investment in creation care and the future of its ministry.
The ribbon-cutting and dedication service reflected the joy and hope behind the project. Lead Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel and Associate Pastor Dan O’Brien led the congregation in prayer and blessing, dedicating the panels to God’s work of renewal and stewardship. Members of the Building Team, including John Nerad and Business Manager Tim Coulthart, were recognized for their leadership, along with the Parish Council, which supported the vision from start to finish.
A Mission of Service, Extended to the Earth
For more than 60 years, the church has been a place of welcome, service, and love for its Madison community. Guided by the mission “to be the heart and hands of Jesus to our neighborhood, city, and the world,” Messiah has long lived out its values through food and supply drives, youth and senior programs, and partnerships that strengthen local schools and organizations.
“We’ve come to realize one huge aspect of our faith is advocacy,” Pastor Dan said. “Advocating for social justice is vital, but none of that will matter if our world becomes too toxic to live on. Taking real steps to improve the health of this planet is so important, and this solar project is one way we are responding to our responsibility as stewards of the earth.”
Powering Ministry with the Sun
The new rooftop solar array, installed by Eagle Point Solar, consists of 121 panels and is anchored with concrete blocks to protect the roof. The system will generate approximately 85,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and offset 98 percent of the church’s annual energy use.
In addition to powering the church itself, the panels also power compassion, learning, and justice for neighbors near and far. The roughly $9,000 annual utility bill savings will flow back into Messiah’s many community partners, including Goodman Community Center, Porchlight, Second Harvest Food Bank, and many others. These organizations provide year-round support to local children and families in need.
Funding a Sustainable Future
The church approached the decision to invest in solar with both practicality and financial benefits in mind. Solar will reduce operating costs, protect against rising energy prices, and free up resources for mission-driven programs while serving as a public testament to the congregation’s values. Messiah utilized its capital funds project reserve and a Focus on Energy incentive to develop its solar project. The Couillard Solar Foundation, through the Solar for Good program administered by RENEW Wisconsin, helped offset costs further by donating half the solar panels for the project.
“As we move into the future, we at Messiah feel that a part of our calling is to be good stewards of the earth,” Pastor Dan said. “Being the heart and hands of Jesus, in our vision, is to both respond to the direct needs of our communities and to work toward dismantling systems that have caused harm to people and the world. This solar project is one way we hope to do this in a positive way.”
Faith Through Action for Generations to Come
Messiah’s commitment to sustainability is deeply intertwined with its broader work. From supporting students at Kennedy Elementary School with backpack drives and bus funding, to hosting a robust Senior Adult Ministry, to providing rental assistance and aid through the Gundlach Family Fund, the church consistently meets community needs with creativity and compassion. Messiah also actively engages in racial and social justice work through partnerships with Nehemiah and MOSES, book groups that challenge bias, and its public stance as a Reconciling in Christ congregation welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals.
As the sun now powers Messiah Lutheran Church, its light shines beyond the walls of the sanctuary, fueling ministries that nurture children, comfort the elderly, advocate for justice, and uplift neighbors in need. The solar project is a legacy that will serve generations to come, proving that faith, action, and sustainability can work hand in hand to bring healing to the world.
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