News Release

Contact: Jeff Fleming, 414-286-8580, Alexis Laverdiere, 414-286-5593
For release: Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Milwaukee Solar Group Buy Program Kicks Off for Summer
City, state, federal incentives make renewable energy more affordable

MILWAUKEE—The City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office and Midwest Renewable Energy Association launched the return of the Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee Group Buy Program designed to bring community members together to learn about residential solar and purchase solar panels in bulk for significant cost savings and incentives not available to individual buyers. The Grow Solar Program is open to residents and small businesses in Milwaukee County and offers free solar education and financing sessions, solar site assessments, cost estimates for custom designed solar systems, and below market rate costs for a warrantied solar system with a reputable contractor.

“Milwaukee is committed to addressing the threat of climate change by advancing renewable and energy efficiency developments across the city. Since 2013, the Solar Group Buy educational and group purchasing program has helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses throughout Milwaukee County save money on their energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.

Solar discounts can be combined with federal incentives to further reduce the cost of solar. The recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act includes a number of measures designed to promote electrification and renewable energy, including expanded tax credits for solar installations.

“There has never been, and may never be, a better opportunity to install solar on your home or business. The Solar Group Buy Program’s volume purchasing discounts and quality assurance can be combined with tax credits and upcoming direct rebates through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, rebates through the state’s Focus on Energy Program, and financing tools like the Milwaukee Shines Solar Loan Program,” Jeremy Belot, Sustainability Coordinator for the Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office said.

“Solar Power Hours” are free information sessions on the basics of solar that are open to the public and will be held virtually and in-person at various locations this summer and fall. Immediately following the information session, attendees can sign up for a free site assessment from the program installer to see if solar is right for their property.

Scheduled Solar Power Hours:

• July 25, 3-4 pm - Virtual Meeting via Zoom
• July 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – The Gathering Place Wauwatosa, 7208 W. North Ave.
• Aug. 10, 3-4 p.m. – Virtual Meeting via Zoom
• Aug. 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Milwaukee Public Library Zablocki Branch, 3501 W. Oklahoma Ave.
• Aug. 17, 2-3 p.m. – Virtual Meeting via Zoom
• Aug. 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Milwaukee Public Library Good Hope Branch, 7715 Good Hope Rd.
• Aug. 24, 12-1 p.m. – Virtual Meeting via Zoom
• Sept. 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Feeding America Eastern WI, 1700 W. Fond Du Lac Ave.
• Sept. 19, 2-3 p.m. – Virtual Meeting via Zoom
• Sept. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – VIA Community Development Corporation, 1545 S. Layton Blvd.
• Oct. 12, 3-4 p.m. – Virtual Meeting via Zoom

More details about the Greater Milwaukee Grow Solar Program at growsolar.org/milwaukee.

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