Small businesses, non-profits, and residents in northeast Wisconsin can get involved in the constantly growing world of solar energy. The “Grow Solar Green Bay - Fox Valley” program will help people buy solar equipment at a below-market price. May 6, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Become more environmentally sustainable. That’s the goal of the 2025 “Grow Solar Green Bay – Fox Valley” program.
It looks to encourage residents to switch to solar energy. It’s in partnership with the city of Green Bay and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).
Small businesses, nonprofits and residents in Northeast Wisconsin can get involved in the constantly growing world of solar energy. The program helps people buy solar equipment at a below-market price.
“Going solar with Grow Solar is a little bit like shopping from Costco versus shopping at a regular store,” Grow Solar Communications Coordinator Jeff Schneider said. “We gather members… who are looking to go solar for a lower price and install and purchase equipment in bulk.”
Schneider said the independently-run program connects people to solar panel installers at a more affordable price, with a goal of helping the environment and people’s wallets over time.
“There’s a little bit of a cost there up front, if you can afford it or finance it, but once you have paid it off, you essentially have bought a lot of electricity that you would be using for the 25+ years of your system,” Schneider said.
On Tuesday, Grow Solar held its first webinar to discuss details. Grow Solar has 70 programs in 24 markets in six states, but this is the first time the program has made its way to Green Bay.
The Grow Solar initiative supports the city of Green Bay’s long-term goal of reaching 100% clean energy by 2050. They say going solar will save folks money in the long run.
In December 2023, Green Bay passed its clean energy plan, promising to reduce emissions. The city wants to make clean energy more accessible for community members.
“There’s a lot of interest in solar in this community,” City of Green Bay Clean Energy Connector Alex Galt said.
The city was approached earlier this year by MREA with the Grow Solar initiative. Galt said Grow Solar will be a big step in their overall energy plan. He said this fits in perfectly with their “Energize Green Bay” clean energy campaign.
“The more of our residents that are able to participate in things like having solar on their roofs, the better. Because that brings down those carbon emissions, brings down those energy costs, so that’s the city’s goal,” Galt said.
If you’re interested in the program, Grow Solar Green Bay-Fox Valley is holding two more free information sessions. One is taking place May 27 at VFW Post 7784 and another on June 25 at Kavarna Coffee & Cafe.
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