Solar for Good - Solar Installation Grants

Program Status: Active with semi-annual funding cycles (spring and fall)

Geographic Scope: Wisconsin statewide

Focus Area: Solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation for nonprofit organizations and houses of worship

Award Information:

• Total funding rounds vary: $110,000 (spring 2018), $145,000+ (spring 2018 round 2), $100,000 (fall 2018), $445,000+ (fall 2018)
• Grants fund up to 20% of solar array installation costs
• Grant cap: $10,000 for solar arrays sized less than 75 kW
• Grant cap: $20,000 for arrays 75 kW and above
• Technical assistance grants also available (see separate listing)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Registered nonprofit organization located in Wisconsin
• In good financial standing
• Ready to install solar (project-ready status)
• Agreement to participate in community education about solar energy benefits
• If approved: all fundraising, design, and installation must be completed within 12 months

Eligible Applicants:

• Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3))
• Houses of worship
• Community organizations
• Educational institutions
• Housing authorities
• Social service organizations
• Environmental organizations
• Schools and school districts

What They Fund:

• Solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation
• Equipment and installation costs
• Up to 20% of total project cost

What They Don't Fund:

• Not explicitly stated in materials provided

Funding Source:

• Primarily funded by philanthropists Cal and Laurie Couillard of Deerfield through their Couillard Solar Foundation
• Additional donors have contributed

Program History:

• Fall 2017: 16 nonprofit organizations awarded grants; supported over $1.2 million in solar investment; 573 kW added
• Spring 2018: 15 organizations awarded grants; $145,000+ in grants; $1.2+ million in new solar projects
• Fall 2018: 36 organizations awarded grants; $445,000+ in grants; $4.5 million in new solar investment; 2.13 MW added
• Program planned to be sustained for three years or more

Contact Information:

• Katherine Klausing, Engagement Manager: 608-255-4044 x5 or 614-406-1105
• Email: Katherine@renewwisconsin.org
• General: info@renewwisconsin.org
• Phone: 608-255-4044
• Address: 214 North Hamilton Street, Suite 300, Madison, WI 53703

Additional Benefits:

• Organizations help spread awareness about solar benefits in their communities
• Projects generate clean renewable energy
• Save money on utility bills
• Reinvest energy cost savings back into organizational work

How to Apply

1. Visit the Solar for Good website at https://www.renewwisconsin.org/solarforgood/
2. Complete the online application form
3. Required Information/Materials:
   • Organization registration and nonprofit status documentation
   • Financial standing verification
   • Project readiness information
   • Solar system specifications and quotes
   • Agreement to participate in community education efforts
   • Timeline for project completion
4. Application Deadlines and Timeline:
   • Spring 2018 round: Deadline April 9, 2018; Decisions by April 15, 2018
   • Fall 2018 round: Deadline November 13, 2018 at 5:00 PM; Decisions by November 26, 2018
   • Future cycles: Spring and fall deadlines announced for each cycle
5. Review Process:
   • Applications reviewed for eligibility and project viability
   • Decisions announced within 2-3 weeks of deadline
6. Technical Assistance:
   • Organizations new to solar can apply separately for technical assistance grants
   • These applications reviewed on first-come, first-served basis
   • Reviewed separately from installation grant applications
7. Project Requirements if Approved:
   • Must complete all fundraising, design, and installation within 12 months
   • Must participate in educating community members about solar energy benefits
   • Must help spread awareness of their solar project investment