Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661
WAUSAU—Governor Jim Doyle today announced that PDM Solar, Inc., Wausau, Marathon County, has received a $210,000 loan from the Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund for the development of new solar-powered air conditioning equipment. Department of Commerce (Commerce) Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel announced the award on behalf of the Governor at a press conference in Wausau.
“I believe it is critically important to promote Wisconsin’s energy independence and clean energy resources,” Governor Doyle said. “Wisconsin has the technical know-how and the resource base to be a leader in this clean energy industry. I am pleased that we could assist PDM Solar, Inc. in developing a new product that can provide both good value and energy savings.”
“This loan will be invaluable to our company’s progress as we develop and commercialize our product,” said Dave Baker, President of PDM Solar, Inc. and the inventor of the technology. “It will also aid the Wausau and Wisconsin economy by creating and sustaining jobs at PDM Solar, Inc. and at our solar collector component suppliers.”
PDM Solar, Inc. was established in 2006 to develop and manufacture solar thermal electrical generating equipment. In 2007, it began its focus on solar thermal air conditioning. The product provides air conditioning for large commercial, retail, and industrial operations during peak electrical demand, greatly reducing the use and expense of electricity. The company will use its loan to build and test its first fully-operational, solar-powered air-conditioning system. The project will generate $1.066 million in new investment.
The Wisconsin Energy Independence Fund provides grants and loans for R & D, commercialization or adoption of new technologies, and supply chain development. Clean energy is defined as that derived from renewable resources, such as wind, hydro and biomass. Eligible applicants include businesses and researchers. Projects will require a 50-percent match. Awards target projects that:
* eliminate or reduce market barriers to adoption of clean energy sources;
* have high market penetration potential; and
* support clean energy sources with a competitive cost structure to existing, nonrenewable energy source options
The Office of Energy Independence (OEI) has additional information on other state programs, federal grants, and private funds available for clean energy and fuel-related projects. Contact David Jenkins, OEI, (608) 264-7651, DavidJ.Jenkins@Wisconsin.gov
