Focus on Energy: Wisconsin’s solar electric systems reach energy milestone

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robyn Nowak

Hoffman York

(414) 225-9520

rnowak@hyc.com

– Recently completed projects are honored for contributing to 2.5 MW achievement –

MADISON, Wis. (Sept. 23, 2009) – On Sept. 22, 2009, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy, celebrated the milestone of achieving a combined solar-electric generation capacity of 2.5 megawatts (MW). To commemorate the milestone Eric Callisto, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, honored the Town of Menasha, Wis., and the Navarino Nature Center of Shiocton, Wis., for contributing to the 2.5 MW with the recent installation of their solar electric systems. Both systems were installed by Energize LLC of Winneconne, Wis. The two projects, along with more than 580 other Focus on Energy co-funded solar electric systems, were completed with technical and financial assistance from Focus.

“The renewable energy industry is booming – In fact, since Focus on Energy started co-funding installations in 2002 it took six years to reach the first MW. Now, in less than two years we’ve reached a total of 2.5 MW,” said Chairperson Callisto. “Hopefully we’ll see Wisconsin’s job market and economy overall parallel the growth.”

In addition to receiving a commemorative plaque marking the 2.5 MW achievement, Chairperson Callisto presented the Town of Menasha with a Focus on Energy incentive check for $50,000, and the Navarino Nature Center with a Focus on Energy incentive check for $30,955. These financial incentives provided by Focus on Energy will be used to defray the cost of the solar electric systems.

The influence of solar electric systems on Wisconsin’s energy landscape is significant as they are expected to generate enough electricity to power about 350 average Wisconsin homes a year. Additionally, the systems are offsetting the burning of more than 2,650 tons of coal each year and preventing nearly six million pounds of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere per year. That’s equivalent to removing more than 550 cars from the road.

“The Town of Menasha and the Navarino Nature Center are shining examples on how to achieve economic savings while being environmentally responsible,” continued Chairperson Callisto. “And as technology improves and incentives become even more accessible, it is my hope we see solar energy popping up on homes and businesses all around us.”

To find more information about technical and financial assistance available through Focus on Energy, visit focusonenergy.com or call (800) 762-7077.

About Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call (800) 762-7077 or focusonenergy.com .