RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative fosters the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin.
Donor Name: RENEW Wisconsin
State: Wisconsin
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/01/2024
Size of the Grant: Up to $50,000 in solar panels or $20,000 in project grants
Grant Duration: Not specified

Details/Overview:
RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative promotes the adoption of solar energy among mission-based nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin. Through partnerships with the Couillard Solar Foundation and the Array it Forward initiative, Solar for Good offers nonprofits grant funding or solar panel donations to help them transition to renewable energy. The program prioritizes organizations that focus on social justice, low-income communities, people of color, children, seniors, rural areas, education, and innovation.

Nonprofits can apply for solar panels, solar canopies, or project grants during the 2024 Fall Grant Cycle, open from September 1st to October 1st. RENEW Wisconsin provides up to 50% of the panels required for solar projects, with a maximum of 75 panels ($25,000 value) for systems under 100 kilowatts and up to 150 panels ($50,000 value) for larger systems. Grants for solar projects are also available, with $150 awarded for every 1 kilowatt of solar energy installed, up to $10,000 for smaller systems and $20,000 for larger systems. Solar canopies are also supported, with cash grants starting at $6,000 for the first 20kW of system size.

Grant funds and panels will be distributed after project completion, and nonprofits are responsible for additional installation costs, such as labor, shipping, and equipment.

Project Grants

RENEW Wisconsin will administer grants for solar projects through the Couillard Solar Foundation and the Array it Forward initiative.

For solar systems smaller than 100 kilowatts, a nonprofit can receive $150 for every 1 kW of solar energy installed, with a maximum award of $10,000.
For solar systems larger than 100 kilowatts, a nonprofit can receive $150 for every 1 kW of solar energy installed, with a maximum award of $20,000.

Solar Canopies

RENEW Wisconsin will administer canopy donations through the Couillard Solar Foundation. The canopy is sold complete, including panels, beams, tie bars, clamps and hardware.

A base cash grant of $6,000 will be awarded for the first 20kW in system size.
Each additional 10kW will receive an additional $3,000.

Who is eligible for Solar for Good funding?

In order to receive an award, the organization must be a registered nonprofit organization located in Wisconsin, be in good financial standing, able to accept donations, and own its building or be able to make necessary changes to its roof or property to accommodate solar.
Please note that this program is designed to fund mission-based organizations. Solar for Good grant recipients should demonstrate service and impact in several key sectors. Grants are prioritized to organizations that perform service in the following areas:

Children or Seniors
Education
LGBTQ+
Low-Income Communities
People of Color
People with Disabilities
Rural Wisconsin.

For more information, visit RENEW Wisconsin.