Jefferson and Waukesha Counties, WI – June 7, 2022 – Along with warmer temperatures and sunnier skies, this spring will bring the arrival of the Grow Solar Waukesha +  Jefferson Counties group buy program. Returning after a successful launch last year, this program offers the opportunity to learn about solar energy and access more affordable pricing on solar installations in 2022.

The Waukesha County Green Team, Heart of the City and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) are supporting the bulk solar group purchase program for residents, farms, and businesses throughout Jefferson and Waukesha Counties. Group purchase programs provide property owners with the opportunity to invest in high-quality, renewable energy solar installations, while also helping reach sustainability goals. In similar programs, estimated first-year savings on utility bills have ranged from $690 to more than $1,000, depending on the size of the array.

“Jefferson and Waukesha County residents, farmers and businesses have an opportunity to ‘own’ their energy, and in the process, retain millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on utility costs,” said Frankie Fuller of Heart of the City, a Fort Atkinson-based nonprofit. “Solar power is an economic development engine that will retain energy dollars locally, helping to fuel wealth and prosperity right here at home.”

Last year’s Grow Solar Jefferson + Waukesha program showed that Wisconsin residents are ready for their own renewable energy systems. 56 home and business owners installed solar on their properties through the program. These arrays are calculated to reduce 841 thousand pounds of carbon emissions by avoiding 422 thousand pounds of coal consumption in their first year alone. This is equivalent to the annual carbon sequestration of 452 acres of U.S. forests. (Source: EPA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Equivalencies Calculator).

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has facilitated over 50 group-buy programs throughout the Midwest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. They have reached over 11,000 individuals resulting in solar installations on more than 2,300 properties.

“With energy costs rising nationwide, lowering electricity bills is more important than ever,” said Marta Monti, Solar Program Manager for the MREA. “Going solar can reduce your energy bills right away, and it insulates you from unexpected rate hikes that may occur in the future.”

Over the next few months, Grow Solar Jefferson + Waukesha will provide several free, hour – long educational sessions for members of the public. These “Solar Power Hours” will give prospective participants information about how solar energy works, the financial costs and incentives, why solar group buy programs are effective, and where to get started in the solar installation process. After two years of virtual webinars, this year brings the return of in-person Solar Power Hours, as well as several webinars. The program’s website, jeffersonwaukesha.growsolar.org, includes a sign – up form where area residents and business owners can elect to receive an estimate, general program updates, and Solar Power Hour announcements.

Check the schedule of Solar Power Hours, register for a webinar, and learn more at https://www.growsolar.org/jefferson-waukesha/

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