Case study of a 501(c)(3) and its Experience with Solar Electric

Interview with Judy Krause
Director of Finance and Operations at the Urban Ecology Center

As a local leader in environmental sustainability, the decision to incorporate solar energy into the design of their new building was obvious for the Urban Ecology Center. All decisions regarding the new building were viewed through an environmental lens. Using solar energy is not only environmentally friendly, but also allows the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) to share the technology with others and encourage them to consider using it in their own homes and businesses. The presence of the solar panels at the UEC have intrigued many, and in turn brought more visitors to the center. Installation and maintenance of the solar electric system was a fairly simple and economical process that now allows the UEC to enforce its mission, educate others, conserve energy and save money.

The solar panels at UEC promote the use of renewable energy and provide a learning opportunity for people of all ages. A tower was built to access and view the solar panels easily. Visitors can see the system and get a better understanding of how it works. The panels are also aesthetically pleasing, as they glisten and shine in the sun. At 44.4 kilowatts, consisting of 256 panels which produce over 55,000 kilowatt-hours each year, the UEC’s solar installation was, at one point, the largest in the state of Wisconsin.

When considering the cost of installing solar, the UEC stresses the importance of utilizing all of the incentives that are available. Different grants are available through Focus on Energy, We Energies and the Federal Government for commercial, residential, nonprofit or government purposes. The UEC was eligible for grants from Focus on Energy and We Energies, and also had financial support from donors in the community.

The solar electric installation is an excellent long term investment which resulted in a reduced dependency on fossil fuels as well as utility bill savings. The UEC also qualified for the now expired buy-back rate from We Energies, where they were able to sell excess energy back to the utility for a premium. The system was installed by H&H Solar Energy Services of Madison, WI, with the site assessment done by Walt Navash. Finding a quality site assessor and installer is essential, as they are responsible for the quality of the installation as well as the various steps involved in the process. The UEC highly recommends their providers, as they did an excellent job and completed all the necessary paperwork for them. In the years since installation, the system has required very little maintenance. One inverter had to be replaced, and since it was under warranty there was no cost to the UEC.

The UEC prides itself on its ability to connect residents of Milwaukee to nature through conservation and the use of renewable resources. Solar energy has had many benefits to the UEC both as a steward for the environment as well as a business. Solar energy is an excellent source of renewable energy and also saves money and peaks the interest of people who want to learn more about it. The Urban Ecology Center is an environmental leader and hopes that others will visit their solar installation and be inspired to install their own.