Green Bay Reporter

The City of Green Bay has announced the launch of the Grow Solar Green Bay - Fox Valley program set for 2025. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), local governments, and community organizations, aims to facilitate the installation of solar energy systems for residents in the Oneida Nation, Brown, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties at prices below the market rate.

This group purchasing model has been successful across Wisconsin for over a decade, providing homeowners and small businesses with financial incentives to switch to solar energy. Alex Galt, Clean Energy Connector for the City of Green Bay, noted the benefits of the initiative: “With rising energy costs, investing in solar power is a smart, long-term decision for our residents. Participating in this program means lower energy bills for years to come, and we’re proud to help bring these savings and sustainable solutions to our community.”

The program will offer free Solar Power Hour information sessions to educate the community about solar technology. These sessions will be accessible both virtually and in person. Following these sessions, homeowners can receive a free, no-obligation site assessment from Endries Solar & Electric, the 2025 program installer. Russel Endries, Owner and President of Endries Solar & Electric, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Green Bay and the Grow Solar program to increase solar adoption in northeast Wisconsin.”

The expected financial benefits of this solar program are significant and long-lasting, according to Michael Troge, Energy Projects Manager with the Oneida Nation, a key program partner: “Once you go solar, you begin seeing energy savings right away - and panels last for decades, compounding those savings over time.”

Over the past 12 years, Grow Solar programs have expanded into 24 Midwest markets, achieving nearly 25 megawatts of new clean energy capacity and resulting in considerable energy bill savings. Alex Galt further emphasized, “We want every resident in northeast Wisconsin to have access to these savings and the environmental benefits that come with clean energy.”

Upcoming Solar Power Hours are scheduled for May 7 (virtual), May 27 (in-person at VFW Post 7784), and June 25 (in-person at Kavarna Coffee & Cafe), with additional events to be announced.

For more details, interested parties can visit the Grow Solar Green Bay - Fox Valley website.

For media inquiries, contact:

Jeff Schneider, Grow Solar Communications Coordinator, MREA (jeff@midwestrenew.org) or Alex Galt, Clean Energy Connector, City of Green Bay.

The MREA, based in Custer, Wisconsin, focuses on promoting renewable energy and sustainable living through educational efforts. The Grow Solar Green Bay - Fox Valley initiative, led by MREA, the City of Green Bay, the City of Appleton, and the Oneida Nation, seeks to make solar energy more accessible and affordable. Endries Solar & Electric provides solar installation services throughout eastern Wisconsin.