Local Solar, Lasting Impact
Inside Grow Solar’s 2025 success across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois.
March 27, 2026
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s Grow Solar group-buy programs bring together Midwest organizations and municipalities to strengthen local solar markets and create lasting benefits for communities. Designed for homeowners and businesses, Grow Solar partners with carefully vetted solar installers in targeted program areas to offer below-market pricing and make going solar simpler and more accessible.
Each year, Grow Solar works with 6–10 communities across the Midwest to expand access to affordable renewable energy. Since launching in 2013, the program has helped install thousands of kilowatts of solar and energy storage capacity — generating cost savings while supporting local, clean energy production.
In 2025, Grow Solar partnered with eight communities across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, contracting 512 systems totaling 4,695 kW. Alongside these installations, Grow Solar hosted 53 Power Hours — educational presentations that connect participants with trusted renewable energy information and clear next steps for going solar.
Standout installations from the past year include the International Bank of Amherst (13.44 kW), the Peninsula School of Art (58.28 kW), and The Ridges Sanctuary (43.65 kW) — each representing another meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.
“The International Bank of Amherst already had an existing 15-year-old lower-wattage solar array. The bank’s roof was nearing the end of life, and we had to remove the panels and racking for the replacement. With the federal solar tax credits expiring, we decided the roof repair was a good occasion to upgrade to much more efficient solar panels.”
“We also bought faster-charging Tesla batteries, and a SPAN electric panel to manage critical loads. The batteries and load-management panel allow us to manage our backup power and experience a speedy project cost recovery. The Focus on Energy rebate and the group buy discount were great enhancements.”
– Butch Pomeroy, president of the International Bank of Amherst
“Since opening our Cook-Albert Fuller Nature Center in 2015, The Ridges Sanctuary has set out to be a conservation leader by demonstrating the benefits of environmentally conscious design alongside environmental stewardship. We are so glad to finally add solar energy to our growing list of sustainability features. This investment directly contributes to our vision to inspire the conservation of Nature while reducing our operating expenses and allocating our revenue to our mission pillars of Preservation, Education, and Research.”
“Above and beyond the desire to continue to work towards a more sustainable future, the stars aligned with the timing of our recent project. The alignment of the Grow Solar community group buy program, access to a 30% federal tax rebate for non-profits, and a partnership with a local installer made this project possible and viable for our organization. We’re fortunate to have received generous support from our donors, who made it even more accessible for The Ridges to complete.”
– Katie Krouse, executive director of The Ridges Sanctuary
With utility costs continuing to rise, the opportunity to minimize reliance on the grid becomes more valuable each year. The 2026 Grow Solar group buy programs will be announced soon — marking 14 years of power and progress.
About the MREA’s Grow Solar Group Buy Programs
Powered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Grow Solar is a coordinated effort among Midwest organizations and municipalities to build an open and advantageous solar market that provides long-term benefits to communities.
Through its Solar Group Buy for home and business owners, Solar Toolkits for city, county, community and electric utility leaders, and Technical Assistance for institutions, Grow Solar makes investments in solar faster, easier, and more affordable.
