The sun is shining on Madison this summer, and the City’s MadiSUN program wants to help residents reap the benefits. Mayor Paul Soglin and the City of Madison have launched two new programs that make it easier and cheaper for local homeowners to install rooftop solar electric systems.
The MadiSUN solar group buy program is designed to simplify the process and reduce the costs of installing solar systems through a group purchase approach. Dozens of local families will go through the installation process at the same time, working with a pre-qualified installer that has been thoroughly vetted and can guarantee a competitive price. The Group Buy program is recruiting interested households from now through September 16. Interested participants can learn more and sign up at www.madisunsolar.com.
“Being part of the Group Buy back in 2012 was a great way to go,” says Madison resident Steve Elmore, who participated in the program and installed 12 solar panels at his Bay Creek home. “The Group Buy allows you to get your questions answered and you can rest assured that there are others by your side. Everyone was very helpful.”
Elmore and his family helped launch the 2016 program at a press conference with Mayor Paul Soglin. “We saved a lot of money, and we continue to save money,” Elmore added.
MadiSUN will also offer a new Solar Energy Loan, in partnership with Summit Credit Union, to provide low-cost financing for residents who want to install solar. Madison households can borrow up to 100% of the installed cost of a solar energy system at a highly competitive fixed rate, with no collateral, no fees and flexible repayment terms. The maximum loan amount per household is $20,000.
MadiSUN’s new initiatives will add value to the state and federal incentives already in place. These include a 30% federal tax credit in place through 2019, as well as Focus on Energy solar rebates up to $2,400 for residential customers. Demand for solar rebates typically picks up strength at this time of year, and funds could be exhausted before long. As of mid-June, there will be no more funding for Focus on Energy solar rebates after this current year.
“These programs are going to be a financial win for all of us,” said Mayor Soglin. “They’re going to be a financial win for those who invest in solar and they’re going to be a financial win for our larger community.”
RENEW Wisconsin, a local nonprofit organization working to grow renewable energy statewide, will administer the program on behalf of the city. Community partners such as Sustain Dane, the Wisconsin Council of Churches and Madison’s neighborhood associations will help spread the word.
“We are really grateful for the cooperation of neighborhood leaders and homeowners,” Mayor Soglin said.
Interested households have several opportunities to learn more about the program. MadiSUN will host Information Sessions across the city to help residents determine whether their home might be a good fit for solar and to educate residents about participating in the group buy or solar loan programs.
To learn more or sign up, please visit www.madisunsolar.com.
Schedule of Information Sessions
1. Madison Public Library: Alicia Ashman Branch
Thursday July 7, 2016
6:00pm
733 N High Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717
2. Madison Public Library: Meadowridge Neighborhood
Tuesday July 12, 2016
6:00pm
5726 Raymond Rd, Madison, WI 53711
3. First Unitarian Society
Sunday July 24, 2016
1:00pm
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705
4. Willy Street Co-op East
Monday July 25, 2016
5:30pm
1221 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703
5. Lake Edge Lutheran Church
Thursday August 4, 2016
6:00pm
4032 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53716
6. Catholic Multicultural Center
Tuesday August 16, 2016
7:00pm
1862 Beld St, Madison, WI 53713
To learn more or sign up, please visit www.madisunsolar.com. Please RSVP for Madison workshops by emailing Katherine@renewwisconsin.org or call 608.255.4044 x5.