This week’s Solar for All announcement expands access to solar power and creates options for low- and moderate-income households in Wisconsin
Author: Heather Allen, Elevate; Antonio Butts, Walnut Way. Sam Dunajski, RENEW Wisconsin. Robin Lisowski, Slipstream. Abby Novinska-Royce, Healthy Climate Wisconsin. – Member of the Wisconsin Clean Economy Coalition
The announcement this week by the Environmental Protection Agency that it will award solar-for-all grants to the state of Wisconsin and Wisconsin tribal communities through awards to the Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association (MTERA), three partner tribes, and alternative power grids comes as states This is a monumental step towards the development of Transition to clean energy. Solar for All increases access to renewable energy for approximately 15,000 Wisconsin households through single-family, multifamily, or community solar projects. Her $62.45 million historic investment in Wisconsin alone will increase access to solar power for Wisconsinites, whether they live in rural areas or urban centers.
For too long, the benefits of renewable energy have been out of reach for many low- and moderate-income households in the state. But this innovative funding will open the door to solar power options for all citizens, regardless of income level or zip code. Being selected as a Solar for All grant recipient means a huge down payment to achieve energy equity and environmental justice.
The program’s impact will be far-reaching, accelerating progress on multiple fronts, especially moving Wisconsin toward achieving its decarbonization goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By giving people more access to affordable solar power, we can accelerate progress towards heating and appliance electrification while achieving healthier, more sustainable homes.
These federal funds have the potential to create a cascading effect of positive change across Wisconsin, especially for tribal and environmental justice communities. Local economies benefit from an injection of investment and jobs, utilities benefit from solar panels coming online and supplementing their power needs from other, more expensive sources, and households and neighborhoods generate their own electricity. This will give you the benefit of reducing your electricity bill. Everyone wins.
This announcement is just the beginning. The Inflation Control Act is sparking a wave of federal investment aimed at helping states like ours transition to clean energy while lowering household energy costs. A complementary funding stream from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund will enable Wisconsin households to continue to enhance clean energy and sustainability in their homes.
After years of efforts by clean energy advocates, Wisconsin finally has a clear path toward an equitable and affordable transition to renewable energy. Thanks to visionary federal leadership and a dedicated team at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin’s clean energy future is looking brighter than ever. Let’s start working to bring these benefits to all communities.
Heather Allen is Director of Policy at Elevate
Antonio Butts is the executive director of the Walnut Way Conservancy.
Sam Dunaiski is Executive Director of RENEW Wisconsin
Robin Lisowski is Managing Director of Policy at Slipstream
Abby Nowinska-Royce is Executive Director of Healthy Climate Wisconsin
of Wisconsin Clean Economy Coalition is a group of climate, energy, environmental justice and conservation organizations, businesses, and allies. The coalition improves the quality of life across Wisconsin by leveraging the collective strengths of its members to accelerate the state’s transformation to a clean energy economy.