Key Takeaways
- • Grow Solar Central Wisconsin, a group-buying solar program, returns for its ninth year in 2026, leveraging bulk purchasing power to reduce residential and small-business solar installation costs across six counties and two partnered municipalities in Wisconsin.
- • The program has achieved its second savings benchmark of 150kW cumulative capacity, triggering additional discounts for current participants; since inception, it has enabled 340+ properties to install solar systems generating over 2 megawatts of total capacity.
- • Northwind Solar (Amherst-based) selected as 2026 program installer; the initiative provides free educational "Solar Power Hours" sessions and connects participants with local installers for site assessments and competitive proposals.
- • Historical program impact includes $3.7 million in cumulative solar installation value across 174+ properties and approximately $24,019 in collective savings for participating homeowners, positioning solar as a hedge against rising electricity costs.
Summary
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) has announced the continuation of Grow Solar Central Wisconsin for 2026, marking the program's ninth operational year. The initiative offers homeowners and small businesses across Portage, Marathon, Waupaca, Waushara, Wood, and Lincoln counties—in partnership with Stevens Point and Wausau—the ability to purchase solar systems at below-market rates through aggregated group buying power. According to MREA director Nick Hylla, the program functions as a practical hedge against persistent upward pressure on electricity costs, enabling participants to generate their own power and reduce long-term utility expenses.
The program has achieved its second cumulative capacity benchmark of 150 kilowatts, unlocking additional cost reductions for participating members. Since its launch, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin has facilitated solar installations on more than 340 properties, generating over 2 megawatts of combined solar capacity—sufficient to power approximately 180 homes annually. Earlier cohorts produced 180 kilowatts across 174 properties valued at approximately $3.7 million in total installations, with documented collective savings of roughly $24,019 for participating homeowners and measurable carbon offsets exceeding 356,580 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Northwind Solar, based in Amherst, has been selected as the program's installer partner for 2026. Kyle Galloway of Northwind Solar emphasized the company's commitment to the initiative, noting that elevated energy prices in 2026 strengthen the economic case for residential solar adoption. The program structure includes free "Solar Power Hours" educational sessions where prospective participants learn about solar technology before being connected with qualified local installers for site-specific assessments and competitive bids. The International Bank of Amherst participated in the previous program cycle, integrating roof replacement with solar installation, demonstrating cross-sector engagement with the initiative.
## METADATA
The program has achieved its second cumulative capacity benchmark of 150 kilowatts, unlocking additional cost reductions for participating members. Since its launch, Grow Solar Central Wisconsin has facilitated solar installations on more than 340 properties, generating over 2 megawatts of combined solar capacity—sufficient to power approximately 180 homes annually. Earlier cohorts produced 180 kilowatts across 174 properties valued at approximately $3.7 million in total installations, with documented collective savings of roughly $24,019 for participating homeowners and measurable carbon offsets exceeding 356,580 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Northwind Solar, based in Amherst, has been selected as the program's installer partner for 2026. Kyle Galloway of Northwind Solar emphasized the company's commitment to the initiative, noting that elevated energy prices in 2026 strengthen the economic case for residential solar adoption. The program structure includes free "Solar Power Hours" educational sessions where prospective participants learn about solar technology before being connected with qualified local installers for site-specific assessments and competitive bids. The International Bank of Amherst participated in the previous program cycle, integrating roof replacement with solar installation, demonstrating cross-sector engagement with the initiative.
## METADATA
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.