Grow Solar for Humanity

Solar for Humanity

Grow Solar powered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) new Solar for Humanity initiative is an exciting partnership between Wisconsin Habitat for Humanity affiliates and Focus On Energy (FOE), a Wisconsin energy efficiency program.

This initiative is so much more than installing affordable renewable energy on homes built by Habitat for Humanity. It will provide Habitat homeowners energy independence and ongoing reduced utility bills. When all the Habitat for Humanity solar projects are finished, roughly 414 kW of solar will be installed, collectively reducing energy bills for these families by at least $50,323 in just the first year of commissioning.

The program was able to work with Habitat affiliates across the state of Wisconsin resulting in 49 installations, and would not be possible without the support and collaboration from the Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin, affilates and FOE.

Habitat for Humanity affiliates: Chippewa Valley, Dane County, Door County, Greater Fox Cities Area, Kenosha, La Crosse Area, Lakeside, Milwaukee, Racine, St. Croix Valley, Washington and Dodge Counties, and Wisconsin River Area.

This program would not be possible without the support and funding from FOE

FOE believes in eliminating energy waste in Wisconsin helps everyone. Installing cost-effective, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects creates jobs, upgrades local infrastructures, and improves the enviroment.

Learn more and see if your home or business is eligible for their available rebates, incentives, free energy-saving packs, online marketplace, and so much more on their website at https://focusonenergy.com/.

“Habitat for Humanity is committed to helping Wisconsinites live in comfortable and affordable homes. Building energy-efficient homes is the most cost-effective way to control energy bills. By adding solar, Habitat for Humanity helps reduce energy costs even further.”

– Scott Bloedorn, program manager at Focus on Energy

Habitat Homeowner Education

How Solar Works Video (Spanish subtitles available)

Solar Basics and Glossary

Solar PV is the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity. This technology can be used in a variety of applications. Solar PV is a renewable energy that is growing, improving, and providing clean energy to millions around the world.

Solar Basics and Glossary

How to Choose an Installer

Choosing a qualified installer is an important step in going solar. Check out our tips on what certifications to look for, questions to ask, request for proposal best practices and resources to find the right installer for your project.

Selecting a Solar Installer

Steps to Going Solar

Are you thinking about solar for your home or business but not sure where to start? We’ve assembled a step-by-step guide to going solar that will help you navigate the process with ease and make your solar journey a bright one

Simple Steps to Solar

Operations and Maintence

Questions about your solar system from this program?

Reach out to Arch Solar for support here.

The MREA with support of FOE issued a competitve Request for Proposal (RFP) to select an installer for the program. The RFP allowed the Habitat for Humanity affiliates to select a high quality solar installer for a competitive price. The RFP required that the proposing installers be certified by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, which is considered the gold standard in solar professional certification) and have a history of high quality work. This year the affliates selected a proposal from Arch Solar.

Arch Solar has been installing solar since 2003 and serves the greater Milwaukee area as well as all southern Wisconsin. With office locations in Plymouth, Milwaukee, and Madison, their experts are able to meet the needs of all commercial, residential, and utility clients with timely and professional care.