Grow Solar returns to Milwaukee and Waukesha with extended footprint

WAUKESHA — A program designed to help homeowners and small businesses decrease energy costs by offering discounted solar panel installations has announced a streamlined initiative.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association announced the new Grow Solar Milwaukee + Waukesha program for 2025. This year’s group buy will combine programming in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties into one streamlined initiative.

The program partners with local government and community groups.

“In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity,” says Evonne Waugh, Grow Solar’s program manager. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.”

Through a solar group buy, community members get better pricing on solar panel installations.

Grow Solar will host free educational sessions, known as “Solar Power Hours,” to help everyone understand solar energy. Afterward, a solar installer will discuss personalized site assessments and project proposals.

This year, Arch Solar has been independently selected to be the program’s installer.

‘Arch has been installing solar in Wisconsin for over twenty years, and we’ve been a proud installer with the Grow Solar program for a decade,” notes Angie Kochanski, director of Business Development for Arch Solar.

“Once you go solar, you start saving on your electricity bills immediately,” says Joanna Salinas from the Waukesha County Green Team. “And since panels last for decades, those savings really add up, making solar a wise long-term investment.”

Since launching Grow Solar in 2013, nearly 3 megawatts of new clean energy generation has been added to Milwaukee and Waukesha counties through Grow Solar programs, generating millions of kilowatt-hours of clean power every year, a news release said.

“Previous Grow Solar initiatives in our area have already helped over 400 households go solar,” said Jeremy Belot, sustainability coordinator for Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office. “Through our partnership with MREA, we’re excited to help even more residents make the switch. City of Milwaukee residents can combine (still available) federal tax credits along with a Milwaukee Shines loan from Summit Credit Union, which make 2025 a great year to go solar!”

The program’s free Solar Power Hours will be hosted throughout the spring and summer, both in person and virtually. For more information visit growsolar.org/milwaukee-waukesha.