Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee Program Returns

Milwaukee, WI – The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is excited to announce the return of the Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee program for 2024. Offered in partnership with the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office, this solar group buy helps homeowners and businesses in Milwaukee County save on energy costs while reducing their carbon footprint.

A solar group buy occurs when community members use their collective buying power to invest in lower-cost solar installations through the power of volume purchasing. The Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee program provides free community information sessions called “Power Hours” to educate home and business owners about how solar works, the typical return on investment, what incentives are available and financing options. Power Hours will be held in person and virtually and attendees can ask questions and request a free site assessment to evaluate the solar potential of their properties.

Since its inception in 2013, the Grow Solar program has expanded significantly in Milwaukee, educating hundreds of residents and resulting in over 2.3 million kWh of solar energy generation per year. 339 Grow Solar participants have saved an equivalent to over 1.8 million pounds of coal burned and saved over $392,000 on electrical bills.

“The Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee program is helping the City achieve its goals of the Climate and Equity Plan by simplifying the process and reducing the cost of installing solar for Milwaukee residents,” says Jeremy Belot, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office. “With financing opportunities like the Milwaukee Shines solar loan program adding solar becomes a reality to even more property owners.”

With rising energy costs and inflation, investing in solar offers immediate energy savings while shielding against future uncertainties. Taylor Ball, Grow Solar’s solar program manager, highlights the benefits: “Through our group buy model, participants can save on their energy bills, while also building long-term equity and energy independence.”

The program’s free informational Solar Power Hours will be hosted in-person and virtually throughout the spring and summer. For more information and the full schedule of presentations, visit growsolar.org/milwaukee.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.