Madison launches 2026 MadiSUN solar programs to cut costs for homeowners and nonprofits

MADISON (WKOW) — MadiSUN, the City of Madison’s initiative to expand solar energy for homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, launched its 2026 initiatives.

Ben Behlke, clean technology and programs manager at RENEW Wisconsin, announced the return of the MadiSUN solar group buy and Backyard Solar grant program at Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society. The programs are designed to lower financial barriers and provide clearer pathways to solar energy adoption, Behlke said.

“At its core, MadiSUN is really about affordability and access,” Behlke said.

The solar group buy connects homeowners with three vetted solar contractors at discounted group prices. The program also provides dedicated RENEW staff to help residents navigate the solar installation process.

“For a lot of families, the barrier is not only just cost,” Behlke said. “It’s also knowing where to start, who to trust, what questions to ask, and whether solar makes sense for them in their home.”

Families who participate can make an investment that provides 30 years of lower and more predictable energy costs, according to Behlke. The program aims to give households greater control and financial security when many expenses feel uncertain.

The Backyard Solar program extends similar benefits to nonprofits, community organizations and affordable housing providers. For those organizations, solar energy can free up resources to focus on their missions and the communities they serve, Behlke said.

Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society installed more than nine kilowatts of rooftop solar through Full Spectrum Solar, serving as an example of what the Backyard Solar program can accomplish. The installation allows the organization to redirect money that would have gone toward energy bills to support programs and maintain community spaces.

“It’s not about saving money simply for the sake of saving money,” Behlke said. “It’s about helping organizations keep more of the resources focused on the people and the communities they are here to serve.”

The City of Madison continues to partner with and support MadiSUN as part of its commitment to sustainability and affordability throughout the city.