Cheq Bay group solar buy well ahead of expectations
March, 2018
Chequamegon Bay Renewables, also known as Cheq Bay, began a project in January to organize a group buy of PV systems for area residences and businesses. According to Cheq Bay Volunteer Board Member and manager for the group buy project Amber Vadnais, the goal was to have 30 or so participants in the project. This far, with about two months left to sign up, the number of individuals and businesses who have expressed serious interest has exceeded 100. If just half that number actually signs contracts, the group buy will greatly exceed anyone’s hopes, Vadnais said.
Read full article
March, 2018
Chequamegon Bay Renewables, also known as Cheq Bay, began a project in January to organize a group buy of PV systems for area residences and businesses. According to Cheq Bay Volunteer Board Member and manager for the group buy project Amber Vadnais, the goal was to have 30 or so participants in the project. This far, with about two months left to sign up, the number of individuals and businesses who have expressed serious interest has exceeded 100. If just half that number actually signs contracts, the group buy will greatly exceed anyone’s hopes, Vadnais said.
Read full article
City of Ashland seeks solar art project
February, 2018
The city of Ashland is seen by its residents and elected officials as a place with a unique vision of its place as a sustainable city of the future.
With that in mind, the city has issued a request for proposals for an artistic solar public art project to be erected at the city’s H. Pearson Plaza behind the Ashland City Hall. According to the request for proposal, the main goal of the art installation will be to incorporate solar panels to provide an educational opportunity, as well as to further beautify the park area. Energy created from the solar panels will be monitored and described on a plaque adjacent to the area.
Read full article
February, 2018
The city of Ashland is seen by its residents and elected officials as a place with a unique vision of its place as a sustainable city of the future.
With that in mind, the city has issued a request for proposals for an artistic solar public art project to be erected at the city’s H. Pearson Plaza behind the Ashland City Hall. According to the request for proposal, the main goal of the art installation will be to incorporate solar panels to provide an educational opportunity, as well as to further beautify the park area. Energy created from the solar panels will be monitored and described on a plaque adjacent to the area.
Read full article
At the table: Communities and utilities working together
February, 2018
Cheq Bay Renewables submitted an alternative last September to Xcel Energy’s 2nd Circuit Transmission Line proposal that would run a second transmission line from Ashland to Bayfield. In short, that plan included an alternate transmission route under Lake Superior from Ashland to Washburn and a solar generation facility with battery storage. This proposal was rejected by the Xcel’s transmission team because they said it did not meet their resiliency requirements. Cheq Bay Renewables still believes our proposal coupled with an upgraded transmission line in the existing right-of-way would solve the foreseeable energy needs of the Bayfield peninsula
Read full article
February, 2018
Cheq Bay Renewables submitted an alternative last September to Xcel Energy’s 2nd Circuit Transmission Line proposal that would run a second transmission line from Ashland to Bayfield. In short, that plan included an alternate transmission route under Lake Superior from Ashland to Washburn and a solar generation facility with battery storage. This proposal was rejected by the Xcel’s transmission team because they said it did not meet their resiliency requirements. Cheq Bay Renewables still believes our proposal coupled with an upgraded transmission line in the existing right-of-way would solve the foreseeable energy needs of the Bayfield peninsula
Read full article
Solar Garden to Grow Green Energy in Ashland
January 2018
Ashland has been selected to be the third location for an Xcel Energy Community Solar Garden in the state of Wisconsin.
Xcel Energy made the announcement last Thursday, saying the facility would match one in Eau Claire that went on line in October of 2017. Another project is slated to be constructed in the La Crosse area this year.
If there is enough customer interest demonstrated in the project, the Ashland garden will be built in 2019 by OneEnergy Renewables, a Seattle-based independent developer of community and utility-scale solar energy projects across North America, with a focus on commercial, institutional and utility customers.
Read full article
January 2018
Ashland has been selected to be the third location for an Xcel Energy Community Solar Garden in the state of Wisconsin.
Xcel Energy made the announcement last Thursday, saying the facility would match one in Eau Claire that went on line in October of 2017. Another project is slated to be constructed in the La Crosse area this year.
If there is enough customer interest demonstrated in the project, the Ashland garden will be built in 2019 by OneEnergy Renewables, a Seattle-based independent developer of community and utility-scale solar energy projects across North America, with a focus on commercial, institutional and utility customers.
Read full article
Town of La Pointe takes second solar step
June 2017
It has been one year since the Town’s solar system for the Medical Clinic and Library became operational. During the past year the 18.2 kW solar system has saved the Town approximately 112% of the annual electricity used by those two facilities. This is approximately 24,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) at a savings of over $3,000.
Read full article
June 2017
It has been one year since the Town’s solar system for the Medical Clinic and Library became operational. During the past year the 18.2 kW solar system has saved the Town approximately 112% of the annual electricity used by those two facilities. This is approximately 24,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) at a savings of over $3,000.
Read full article
Project Schedule
January 1, 2018 Installer RFP issued
January 31, 2018 Installer RFP submission deadline
February 15, 2018 Installer selected - Next Energy Solution
March 8, 2018 Meet the Installer information session - 6pm at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
March 23, 2018 Deadline to sign up to receive a site assessment and quote
March-April, 2018 Site assessments and quotes issued
June 30, 2018 Deadline to sign contracts and participate in group buy - Extended date!
June-Oct, 2018 Installations
January 1, 2018 Installer RFP issued
January 31, 2018 Installer RFP submission deadline
February 15, 2018 Installer selected - Next Energy Solution
March 8, 2018 Meet the Installer information session - 6pm at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
March 23, 2018 Deadline to sign up to receive a site assessment and quote
March-April, 2018 Site assessments and quotes issued
June 30, 2018 Deadline to sign contracts and participate in group buy - Extended date!
June-Oct, 2018 Installations
Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium
October 24 & 25, 2018
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
October 24 & 25, 2018
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium
October 24 & 25, 2018
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
The Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium is an opportunity to share and discuss information on projects and data, provide networking opportunities among natural resource professionals, and to provide an update that local natural resource collaborative efforts are intact and adapting.
October 24 & 25, 2018
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
The Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium is an opportunity to share and discuss information on projects and data, provide networking opportunities among natural resource professionals, and to provide an update that local natural resource collaborative efforts are intact and adapting.
Renewable Energy: Updates and Next Steps
Hosted by Bayfield County- Extension
Monday, Oct. 8th, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
It’s been roughly one year since the kick-off of the solar group buy and announcement of Xcel’s community solar project. During this panel presentation we’ll discuss what has been accomplished to-date and what’s next. This event is a great opportunity for anyone interested in renewable energy for home, business, or government. Panel includes representatives from Cheq Bay Renewables, Xcel Energy, Bayfield Electric, Next Energy Solution
Hosted by Bayfield County- Extension
Monday, Oct. 8th, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
It’s been roughly one year since the kick-off of the solar group buy and announcement of Xcel’s community solar project. During this panel presentation we’ll discuss what has been accomplished to-date and what’s next. This event is a great opportunity for anyone interested in renewable energy for home, business, or government. Panel includes representatives from Cheq Bay Renewables, Xcel Energy, Bayfield Electric, Next Energy Solution
UW-Extension Week
Oct. 8-13th
Connecting the U to you!
See the week's events at Bayfield County Extension's Facebook page.
Oct. 8-13th
Connecting the U to you!
See the week's events at Bayfield County Extension's Facebook page.
“Renewable Energy: Updates and Next Steps” – Cheq Bay Renewables, Xcel Energy, Bayfield Electric, Next Energy Solution
Monday, Oct. 8th, 6:00-7:30pm
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Part of UW-Extension week. Find out more here.
Monday, Oct. 8th, 6:00-7:30pm
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Part of UW-Extension week. Find out more here.
Take this self-guided tour of new solar photovoltaic installations around the greater Bayfield community. See a mix of commercial and residential installation, talk to the business and home owners about how and why they chose to go solar. Learn something new at each stop and join us at 4:00pm on the deck of the Bayfield Inn for a networking social. View an informational poster here and a map of this years sites here.
Renewable Energy Workshop Series
Nov. 30, 6:30-8pm Understanding the Grid, Gary Radloff, WI Energy Institute at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Dec. 4th, 6:30-8pm Heating with Wood, Scott Sanford, UW-Extension at the WITC Conference Center
Jan. 4th, 6:30-8pm Solar for Homeowners, Christopher LaForge, Great Northern Solar, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Jan. 10th, 6:00-8pm Solar for Homeowners- Personalized Planning Session, $20 fee, registration required, NGLVC
Jan. 18, 6:30-8pm Solar for Business and Government, Sherrie Gruder, UW-Extension, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Jan. 25th, 6:00-8pm Solar for Business and Government- Personalized Planning Session, $20 fee, registration required, NGLVC
Feb. 6, 6:30-8pm NEW: At the Table: Communities & Utilities Working Together to Deliver Renewable Energy & an Upgraded Grid, Panel discussion facilitated by Timothy Baye, UW-Extension State Energy Specialist, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. **See recording below**
Feb. 8th, 6:30-8pm Community Solar, Bill Bailey, Cheq Bay Renewables & Mike Bebeau, Xcel Energy, NGLVC
March 1st, 6:30-8pm Geothermal, Tony Redinger & Mark Lehto, Blakeman Plumbing and Heating, NGLVC
Nov. 30, 6:30-8pm Understanding the Grid, Gary Radloff, WI Energy Institute at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Dec. 4th, 6:30-8pm Heating with Wood, Scott Sanford, UW-Extension at the WITC Conference Center
Jan. 4th, 6:30-8pm Solar for Homeowners, Christopher LaForge, Great Northern Solar, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Jan. 10th, 6:00-8pm Solar for Homeowners- Personalized Planning Session, $20 fee, registration required, NGLVC
Jan. 18, 6:30-8pm Solar for Business and Government, Sherrie Gruder, UW-Extension, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Jan. 25th, 6:00-8pm Solar for Business and Government- Personalized Planning Session, $20 fee, registration required, NGLVC
Feb. 6, 6:30-8pm NEW: At the Table: Communities & Utilities Working Together to Deliver Renewable Energy & an Upgraded Grid, Panel discussion facilitated by Timothy Baye, UW-Extension State Energy Specialist, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. **See recording below**
Feb. 8th, 6:30-8pm Community Solar, Bill Bailey, Cheq Bay Renewables & Mike Bebeau, Xcel Energy, NGLVC
March 1st, 6:30-8pm Geothermal, Tony Redinger & Mark Lehto, Blakeman Plumbing and Heating, NGLVC
BPEA Presents Renewable Energy Alternatives to Xcel
At the Table: Communities and Utilities Working Together
Town of La Pointe takes second solar step
Chequamegon Bay Renewables, Inc is bringing solar to Washburn through $10,000 energy department award, will participate in national solar competition
Washburn moves forward with solar options for the city
At the Table: Communities and Utilities Working Together
Town of La Pointe takes second solar step
Chequamegon Bay Renewables, Inc is bringing solar to Washburn through $10,000 energy department award, will participate in national solar competition
Washburn moves forward with solar options for the city
Chequamegon Bay Renewables, Inc is bringing solar to Washburn through $10,000 energy department award, will participate in national competition
April 2017
Chequamegon Bay Renewables (CBR) announced that it was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative’s Solar in Your Community Challenge, a $5 million prize competition that aims to expand solar electricity access.
Read full article
April 2017
Chequamegon Bay Renewables (CBR) announced that it was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative’s Solar in Your Community Challenge, a $5 million prize competition that aims to expand solar electricity access.
Read full article
Washburn moves forward with solar options for the city
April 2017
The Washburn City Council made two important decisions Monday night: councilors authorized Chequamegon Bay Renewables to move forward with plans to study and construct solar photovoltaic in Washburn and they slowed down the process of development on the city-owned Omaha Street property until they can determine what is best for the city.
Read full article
April 2017
The Washburn City Council made two important decisions Monday night: councilors authorized Chequamegon Bay Renewables to move forward with plans to study and construct solar photovoltaic in Washburn and they slowed down the process of development on the city-owned Omaha Street property until they can determine what is best for the city.
Read full article
Small town, big sustainability
Wisconsin communities take the lead in making clean energy choices
March 2017
While 2016 was the warmest year on record, NASA records show that nine of the ten warmest years since scientists began recording the Earth’s surface temperature have occurred since 2000. For those who understand that human activity is warming our planet, there is a growing sense of urgency to make energy choices that limit the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Read full article
Wisconsin communities take the lead in making clean energy choices
March 2017
While 2016 was the warmest year on record, NASA records show that nine of the ten warmest years since scientists began recording the Earth’s surface temperature have occurred since 2000. For those who understand that human activity is warming our planet, there is a growing sense of urgency to make energy choices that limit the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Read full article
Self-guided Solar Energy Tour is set
September 2016
The Chequamegon Bay Renewable Energy Resources, the area's local online energy resource at cheqbayrenewables.org, is inviting everyone to check out an assortment of local homes and businesses currently utilizing solar energy from 1-4pm Oct. 2 during the Solar Energy Tour.
Read full article
September 2016
The Chequamegon Bay Renewable Energy Resources, the area's local online energy resource at cheqbayrenewables.org, is inviting everyone to check out an assortment of local homes and businesses currently utilizing solar energy from 1-4pm Oct. 2 during the Solar Energy Tour.
Read full article
LaForge nationally recognized by IREC
December 2016
In September, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council recognized Great Northern Solar CEO Christopher LaForge as the 2016 IREC Certified Clean Energy Instructor/Master Trainer of the Year.
Read full article
December 2016
In September, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council recognized Great Northern Solar CEO Christopher LaForge as the 2016 IREC Certified Clean Energy Instructor/Master Trainer of the Year.
Read full article
NGLVC aims to be model of sustainability
August 2016
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is nearing the end of a $2.4 million capital investment project that will bring them one step closer to being a model of true sustainability for area businesses and landowners.
Read full article
August 2016
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is nearing the end of a $2.4 million capital investment project that will bring them one step closer to being a model of true sustainability for area businesses and landowners.
Read full article
Wisconsin lags Midwest in clean energy sector jobs
March 2016
Wisconsin ranks ninth among 12 Midwest states in a ranking released Tuesday of jobs in the clean energy sector — including energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels. The nonprofit Clean Energy Trust and other groups released the report, which found Wisconsin companies employ nearly 25,000 in those fields, primarily in the area of energy efficiency.
Read full article
March 2016
Wisconsin ranks ninth among 12 Midwest states in a ranking released Tuesday of jobs in the clean energy sector — including energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels. The nonprofit Clean Energy Trust and other groups released the report, which found Wisconsin companies employ nearly 25,000 in those fields, primarily in the area of energy efficiency.
Read full article
Groundbreaking ceremony held for new Eau Claire solar garden
November 2016
Xcel Energy broke ground on the first Solar Connect Community Project in Eau Claire Thursday. Once finished, the project will include over 3,000 solar panels on 7.5 acres of land on West Hamilton Avenue. Xcel says the program is being offered to business and residential customers on a first-come, first-served basis. So far, about 65 percent of the panels in the Eau Claire and La Crosse projects have been reserved.
Read full article
November 2016
Xcel Energy broke ground on the first Solar Connect Community Project in Eau Claire Thursday. Once finished, the project will include over 3,000 solar panels on 7.5 acres of land on West Hamilton Avenue. Xcel says the program is being offered to business and residential customers on a first-come, first-served basis. So far, about 65 percent of the panels in the Eau Claire and La Crosse projects have been reserved.
Read full article
Statewide funding for renewable energy incentives increased to $8.6 million
December 2016
Today, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin finalized decisions related to Focus on Energy’s renewable energy program for 2017 and 2018.
Read more here
December 2016
Today, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin finalized decisions related to Focus on Energy’s renewable energy program for 2017 and 2018.
Read more here
2016 shines as Wisconsin's brightest year for solar
January 2017
Buoyed by a major investment in solar by Dairyland Power Cooperative, other utilities and Target Stores Inc. as well as projects around the state, Wisconsin solar industry saw its most active year of development, new data show.
Read more here
January 2017
Buoyed by a major investment in solar by Dairyland Power Cooperative, other utilities and Target Stores Inc. as well as projects around the state, Wisconsin solar industry saw its most active year of development, new data show.
Read more here
Wisconsin's capital city sets a high bar with ambitious renewable energy goal
March 2017
Madison, Wisconsin committed to getting 100 percent of its energy from clean, renewable sources in a resolution passed unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday. It became the 24th city to make such a promise, according to a tally by the Sierra Club, which has a “Ready for 100” nationwide campaign.
Read more here
March 2017
Madison, Wisconsin committed to getting 100 percent of its energy from clean, renewable sources in a resolution passed unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday. It became the 24th city to make such a promise, according to a tally by the Sierra Club, which has a “Ready for 100” nationwide campaign.
Read more here
New mapping tool showcases clean energy policies and projects
September 2016
A new state “community power” mapping tool released this month gives policymakers and activists a national scorecard on state and local clean energy initiatives. John Farrell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance developed the map to showcase the link between what his group regards as good state energy policy and the number of community energy projects and renewable policies now underway.
Read full article
September 2016
A new state “community power” mapping tool released this month gives policymakers and activists a national scorecard on state and local clean energy initiatives. John Farrell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance developed the map to showcase the link between what his group regards as good state energy policy and the number of community energy projects and renewable policies now underway.
Read full article
Dairyland Power announces more solar projects
November 2016
Dairyland Power Cooperative has finalized agreements for three additional utility-scale solar generation projects, of which two will be built in Wisconsin. The projects will increase the utility's total solar generation from 15 megawatts to 20 in the Dairyland system.
Read full article
November 2016
Dairyland Power Cooperative has finalized agreements for three additional utility-scale solar generation projects, of which two will be built in Wisconsin. The projects will increase the utility's total solar generation from 15 megawatts to 20 in the Dairyland system.
Read full article
A conservative touts renewable energy: Michigander meets with Wisconsin lawmakers to discuss renewables
January 2017
A conservative who advocates for renewable energy visited GOP lawmakers in Wisconsin this week. He's trying to get them to consider greater use of renewables and so-called clean energy. Michigan has raised its renewable portfolio standard, a requirement for utility electricity coming from renewable sources, to 15 percent.
Click here for full article and to listen
January 2017
A conservative who advocates for renewable energy visited GOP lawmakers in Wisconsin this week. He's trying to get them to consider greater use of renewables and so-called clean energy. Michigan has raised its renewable portfolio standard, a requirement for utility electricity coming from renewable sources, to 15 percent.
Click here for full article and to listen
Solar power's big year in Wisconsin
April 2017
Solar energy in the Badger State saw its best year ever in 2016, according to RENEW Wisconsin, a Madison-based nonprofit. Counting projects under construction, the state will soon double its production of sunshine energy — on the way to at least tripling it by 2021. The state’s impressive strides include increased infrastructure and energy generation, as well as new businesses.
Click here for full article
April 2017
Solar energy in the Badger State saw its best year ever in 2016, according to RENEW Wisconsin, a Madison-based nonprofit. Counting projects under construction, the state will soon double its production of sunshine energy — on the way to at least tripling it by 2021. The state’s impressive strides include increased infrastructure and energy generation, as well as new businesses.
Click here for full article
From Around the Region
State-wide news that impacts us.
State-wide news that impacts us.
RENEW Wisconsin 2017 Policy Summit
Held in Madison, WI on January 19, 2017, this conference hosted utility leaders and renewable energy experts discussing the evolution toward more renewable energy and state of energy policies driving the industry.
Presentations can be found here
Held in Madison, WI on January 19, 2017, this conference hosted utility leaders and renewable energy experts discussing the evolution toward more renewable energy and state of energy policies driving the industry.
Presentations can be found here
CheqBayRenewables: Bringing Renewable Energy into your Community
Learn from Bill Bailey about how our organization got started and some of the past and present projects. This presentation will highlight the Bayfield Electric Community Solar Garden including the environmental and financial benefits.
Bill began installing renewable energy systems for his home and business in 2005 and has become a passionate advocate for solar energy in our community. He formally started Cheq Bay Renewables, a 501c3 nonprofit, in 2017 and is currently working on various projects to deploy more solar in the Chequamegon Bay area.
REGISTER HERE
Learn from Bill Bailey about how our organization got started and some of the past and present projects. This presentation will highlight the Bayfield Electric Community Solar Garden including the environmental and financial benefits.
Bill began installing renewable energy systems for his home and business in 2005 and has become a passionate advocate for solar energy in our community. He formally started Cheq Bay Renewables, a 501c3 nonprofit, in 2017 and is currently working on various projects to deploy more solar in the Chequamegon Bay area.
REGISTER HERE
Sustainable Strategies Webinar Series featuring Bill Bailey from Cheq Bay Renewables
September 21st from 12-1pm
Online
September 21st from 12-1pm
Online
Great Northern Solar
77480 Evergreen Rd, Port Wing, WI 54865
(715) 774-3374
gosolar@cheqnet.net
Contact: Christopher LaForge
Focus: Solar PV Training and Education
77480 Evergreen Rd, Port Wing, WI 54865
(715) 774-3374
gosolar@cheqnet.net
Contact: Christopher LaForge
Focus: Solar PV Training and Education
Steffenson Carpentry
32460 Star Route Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 209-1852
jsteff@centurytel.net
Contact: Jim Steffenson
Focus: Sustainable new construction or remodeling
32460 Star Route Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 209-1852
jsteff@centurytel.net
Contact: Jim Steffenson
Focus: Sustainable new construction or remodeling
Town of La Pointe's first solar system is live!
June 2016
As part of the La Pointe Resiliency Project, an 18.2kW PV system now provides energy to the municipal systems that serve the medical clinic and library.
Visit the Madeline Island Microgrid initiative to learn more
June 2016
As part of the La Pointe Resiliency Project, an 18.2kW PV system now provides energy to the municipal systems that serve the medical clinic and library.
Visit the Madeline Island Microgrid initiative to learn more
Solar Energy Tour
Cheq Bay Renewables and the Chequamegon chapter of the CCL hosted a solar energy tour on Oct. 2, 2016. It featured homes and businesses from Ashland to Bayfield with something unique at each stop. We plan to make it an annual event so check back again Fall 2017 for more details. If you'd like to be included on the next tour, please submit a note here.
Download the 2016 event poster
Cheq Bay Renewables and the Chequamegon chapter of the CCL hosted a solar energy tour on Oct. 2, 2016. It featured homes and businesses from Ashland to Bayfield with something unique at each stop. We plan to make it an annual event so check back again Fall 2017 for more details. If you'd like to be included on the next tour, please submit a note here.
Download the 2016 event poster
Projects by Dairyland, Xcel would double the state's solar power output
February 2016
Wisconsin is poised to nearly double its power generation from solar panels, following announcements Wednesday by utilities serving the western part of the state. The unprecedented expansion in solar power represents a big shift for the state, which until now has seen such projects housed more on the rooftops of homes and businesses than those undertaken by utilities.
Read full article
Read RENEW statement
February 2016
Wisconsin is poised to nearly double its power generation from solar panels, following announcements Wednesday by utilities serving the western part of the state. The unprecedented expansion in solar power represents a big shift for the state, which until now has seen such projects housed more on the rooftops of homes and businesses than those undertaken by utilities.
Read full article
Read RENEW statement
Gov. Scott Walker orders agencies not to prepare for Clean Power Plan
February 2016
Citing last week's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Monday ordered state agencies not to do any work to prepare for federal climate change regulations that would require Wisconsin utilities to cut carbon emissions from power plants.
Read full article
February 2016
Citing last week's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Monday ordered state agencies not to do any work to prepare for federal climate change regulations that would require Wisconsin utilities to cut carbon emissions from power plants.
Read full article
Solar power fields in the works for Chippewa County
February 2016
Xcel Energy is looking to harness the power of the sun for the first time in Wisconsin. A 3.5 megawatt solar generation plant is being proposed on a forty acre parcel of land in Chippewa County.
Read full article
February 2016
Xcel Energy is looking to harness the power of the sun for the first time in Wisconsin. A 3.5 megawatt solar generation plant is being proposed on a forty acre parcel of land in Chippewa County.
Read full article
Solar outlook brightens in Wisconsin
January 2016
The state added 7 megawatts of solar generation last year, more than any prior year, and it's possible that at least that much solar could be built this year, said Tyler Huebner, executive director of Renew Wisconsin.
Read full article
January 2016
The state added 7 megawatts of solar generation last year, more than any prior year, and it's possible that at least that much solar could be built this year, said Tyler Huebner, executive director of Renew Wisconsin.
Read full article
BEC solar garden will break ground this summer
May 2016
BEC started selling shares of Community Solar to its members at the end of March. By last week, it had sold 722 shares at $500 each, with Mt. Ashwabay and the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua selling an additional 14 shares and are still going strong.
Read full article
May 2016
BEC started selling shares of Community Solar to its members at the end of March. By last week, it had sold 722 shares at $500 each, with Mt. Ashwabay and the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua selling an additional 14 shares and are still going strong.
Read full article
Xcel proposes community solar project
March 2016
Residents of the Xcel Energy electric service area in Wisconsin have been offered an opportunity to become part of what the company says will be the largest community solar energy program in the state.
Read full article
March 2016
Residents of the Xcel Energy electric service area in Wisconsin have been offered an opportunity to become part of what the company says will be the largest community solar energy program in the state.
Read full article
Big Top Chautauqua and Mount Ashwabay will participate in community solar and are seeking donations
April 2016
The Board of Directors of both Big Top Chautauqua and Mt. Ashwabay have decided to participate in Bayfield Electric’s Community Solar Farm and are seeking donations to purchase shares to offset up to 90% of their electric use. Your donation will help provide clean energy and lower their operating costs for 25 years. You don't need to be a BEC member to donate to these organizations and it's tax deductible.
Go to the Community Solar page for more details
Click here for donation information (limited shares available)
April 2016
The Board of Directors of both Big Top Chautauqua and Mt. Ashwabay have decided to participate in Bayfield Electric’s Community Solar Farm and are seeking donations to purchase shares to offset up to 90% of their electric use. Your donation will help provide clean energy and lower their operating costs for 25 years. You don't need to be a BEC member to donate to these organizations and it's tax deductible.
Go to the Community Solar page for more details
Click here for donation information (limited shares available)
Climate Change: Global Problem, Local Solutions
A spring 2015 lecture series hosted by the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College. Find recordings of some of the speakers here:
Xcel Energy's Proposed Response to Carbon Management Regulations
Dave Donovan, General Manager Customer and Community Service, Xcel Energy
view recording
EPA's Carbon Pollution Standards: An Opportunity for Collaboration in Wisconsin
Keith Reopelle, Senior Policy Director, Clean Wisconsin
view recording
Solar Power for Northern Wisconsin
Tyler Huebner, Executive Director, RENEW Wisconsin
view presentation (no audio)
Greenhouse & Business Field Tour: Local Residents Embrace Alternative Engergies
Bailey's Greenhouse
read article
Northland College's Carbon Neutral Energy Future: Lessons for Everyone
Willa Kuh, Director of Planning, Affiliated Engineers
view presentation
A spring 2015 lecture series hosted by the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College. Find recordings of some of the speakers here:
Xcel Energy's Proposed Response to Carbon Management Regulations
Dave Donovan, General Manager Customer and Community Service, Xcel Energy
view recording
EPA's Carbon Pollution Standards: An Opportunity for Collaboration in Wisconsin
Keith Reopelle, Senior Policy Director, Clean Wisconsin
view recording
Solar Power for Northern Wisconsin
Tyler Huebner, Executive Director, RENEW Wisconsin
view presentation (no audio)
Greenhouse & Business Field Tour: Local Residents Embrace Alternative Engergies
Bailey's Greenhouse
read article
Northland College's Carbon Neutral Energy Future: Lessons for Everyone
Willa Kuh, Director of Planning, Affiliated Engineers
view presentation
Four opportunities to sign up for community solar this month
March 2016
IRON RIVER – There has been a lot of talk in the last few years about community solar farms in the Chequamegon Bay area. As of this week, that talk is walking. As a result of strong customer and member interest, both Xcel Energy and Bayfield Electric Cooperative (BEC) are now offering subscriptions to community solar farms, or gardens, as Xcel calls them. Over the next month both utility providers will be hosting a series of meetings in the Chequamegon Bay area to enlist subscribers and also explain the costs, the paybacks and other details regarding community solar farms.
Read full article
Go to the Community Solar page for more details
March 2016
IRON RIVER – There has been a lot of talk in the last few years about community solar farms in the Chequamegon Bay area. As of this week, that talk is walking. As a result of strong customer and member interest, both Xcel Energy and Bayfield Electric Cooperative (BEC) are now offering subscriptions to community solar farms, or gardens, as Xcel calls them. Over the next month both utility providers will be hosting a series of meetings in the Chequamegon Bay area to enlist subscribers and also explain the costs, the paybacks and other details regarding community solar farms.
Read full article
Go to the Community Solar page for more details
Xcel pursues community solar in Wisconsin, but on a small scale
April 2015
As it has in Minnesota, Xcel Energy will soon be offering community solar to its customers in Wisconsin, albeit on a much smaller scale. Under Minnesota’s community solar law, more than 500 megawatts of projects have been proposed in Xcel’s territory; meanwhile the utility continues to push back against the scale of some of the proposals.
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April 2015
As it has in Minnesota, Xcel Energy will soon be offering community solar to its customers in Wisconsin, albeit on a much smaller scale. Under Minnesota’s community solar law, more than 500 megawatts of projects have been proposed in Xcel’s territory; meanwhile the utility continues to push back against the scale of some of the proposals.
Read full article
Solar Energy Tour of local homes and businesses featuring the full range of solar systems—from commercial to off-grid. See photovoltaic and solar hot water systems, passive solar, and more.
The self-guided tour will include unique stops from Ashland to Bayfield. Learn something new at each location. Free!
Click to download map and additional information
The self-guided tour will include unique stops from Ashland to Bayfield. Learn something new at each location. Free!
Click to download map and additional information
Solar Energy Tour
October 2 from 1-4pm
Ashland to Bayfield
Organized by Bill Bailey & Gayle Chatfield and sponsored by the Citizens' Climate Lobby
October 2 from 1-4pm
Ashland to Bayfield
Organized by Bill Bailey & Gayle Chatfield and sponsored by the Citizens' Climate Lobby
NGLVC receives Travel Green Wisconsin certification [and plans to add solar in 2016]
January 2016
ASHLAND – Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett announced that the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (NGLVC) has earned membership in the Department of Tourism’s Travel Green Wisconsin program. The certification honors the Visitor Center’s commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
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January 2016
ASHLAND – Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett announced that the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (NGLVC) has earned membership in the Department of Tourism’s Travel Green Wisconsin program. The certification honors the Visitor Center’s commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
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Xcel Energy enlists customers to create a 'solar garden' for northern, western Wisconsin
July 2015
A western Wisconsin utility is calling on its customers to help build the largest community "solar garden" program in the state. Xcel Energy's Community Solar Garden Program is enlisting people and businesses to buy shares in solar arrays around northern and western Wisconsin capable of generating up to three megawatts. Upfront costs would pay for Xcel to build the infrastructure with shareholders getting credits for electricity produced.
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July 2015
A western Wisconsin utility is calling on its customers to help build the largest community "solar garden" program in the state. Xcel Energy's Community Solar Garden Program is enlisting people and businesses to buy shares in solar arrays around northern and western Wisconsin capable of generating up to three megawatts. Upfront costs would pay for Xcel to build the infrastructure with shareholders getting credits for electricity produced.
Read full article
Tour, discussion focus on renewable energy
May 2015
On Saturday, over 75 residents from Ashland and Bayfield counties gathered at Bailey’s Greenhouse to tour the facility and discuss budding renewable energy initiatives in the region. Bailey’s Greenhouse runs almost exclusively on renewable energy, thus making it the perfect destination for the fourth event of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute’s’ (SOEI) climate change series, “Global Problem, Local Solutions.”
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May 2015
On Saturday, over 75 residents from Ashland and Bayfield counties gathered at Bailey’s Greenhouse to tour the facility and discuss budding renewable energy initiatives in the region. Bailey’s Greenhouse runs almost exclusively on renewable energy, thus making it the perfect destination for the fourth event of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute’s’ (SOEI) climate change series, “Global Problem, Local Solutions.”
Read full article
The future of solar farms in Northern Wisconsin is looking brighter
May 2015
Along with the arrival of spring has also come the possibility of solar community farms taking root in Northern Wisconsin. On April 28, a beam of light shone down on “Solar Power for Northern Wisconsin” with guest speaker Tyler Huebner, executive director at RENEW Wisconsin.
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May 2015
Along with the arrival of spring has also come the possibility of solar community farms taking root in Northern Wisconsin. On April 28, a beam of light shone down on “Solar Power for Northern Wisconsin” with guest speaker Tyler Huebner, executive director at RENEW Wisconsin.
Read full article
Wisconsin Solar Tour showcases renewable energy systems
October 2015
October is National Energy Awareness Month, which means it is almost time again for the annual Wisconsin Solar Tour, a free educational event open to the public. The Wisconsin Solar Tour is Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and occurs throughout Wisconsin with multiple tour sites, both residential and commercial, from Hayward to Milwaukee.
Read full article
October 2015
October is National Energy Awareness Month, which means it is almost time again for the annual Wisconsin Solar Tour, a free educational event open to the public. The Wisconsin Solar Tour is Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and occurs throughout Wisconsin with multiple tour sites, both residential and commercial, from Hayward to Milwaukee.
Read full article