Solar for Good

RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative is a renewable energy grant program designed to support mission-driven nonprofits and houses of worship across Wisconsin in transitioning to solar energy. This program is administered by RENEW Wisconsin in partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation and, since 2020, includes additional support from the First Unitarian Society of Madison through their Array it Forward initiative. The goal is to reduce energy costs for nonprofits, allowing them to redirect savings toward their missions, and to promote renewable energy adoption throughout the state. The Solar for Good program awards grants in the form of solar panels or solar canopies. Nonprofit organizations can receive up to 50% of the solar panels required for their project, depending on the system size. For solar systems under 100 kilowatts, the maximum award is 75 panels, valued around $25,000. For systems 100 kilowatts or larger, up to 150 panels may be awarded, worth approximately $50,000. Organizations are responsible for covering shipping costs and may purchase additional panels through the Couillard Solar Foundation, with proceeds supporting future grants. In addition to panel grants, the program offers solar canopies. Grants for canopies are calculated based on system size, starting with a base amount of $6,000 for systems between 20kW and 29kW. Additional increments of 10kW receive an extra $3,000 each, up to a maximum of $15,000 for 50kW–59kW systems. Awardees are responsible for all other canopy installation costs including infrastructure, labor, and materials beyond the base grant components. Solar for Good is geared towards nonprofits serving areas such as social justice, low-income communities, communities of color, children and seniors, rural regions, education, and innovation. The program also includes an educational component; RENEW Wisconsin offers presentations to nonprofit groups to raise awareness about solar energy benefits and to assist with project planning. The Fall application cycle opens on September 1, 2025. All applications must be submitted by the designated closing date, though that date is not specified in the source material. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more or reach out directly to the program via solarforgood@renewwisconsin.org or by calling 608.255.4044. There is no mention of required matching funds, and the number of grants awarded is not specified. Educational resources and past recipient stories are available on the RENEW Wisconsin website to inspire and inform potential applicants.