Getting Started with Solar

 

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports about 2,000 jobs and over 166 companies in Wisconsin (SEIA), saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from increasing demand and technological developments, and adds electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

 

Solar installation must be in compliance with State Statutes, including §66.0401 and §66.0403. Property owners rights to solar PV energy production within the Village of Egg Harbor are protected by the State of Wisconsin's Statutes §66.0401 and §66.0403.  To learn more visit the following links to the state statutes here: §66.0401 and §66.0403 or talk with your solar contractor. Small solar PV projects (10kW or less) have a turnaround time of less than 3 business days.

 

Residential and commercial solar systems require a building permit and an electrical permit. Electrical permitting and inspection fees for residential systems are $45 and $55 for commercial systems. To apply for both a building permit and electrical permit, complete the starndardized permit form. The standardized solar permitting checklist is a required attachment along with the submission of building and electrical permits required by the Village to receive approval to install a solar PV system.

Village of Egg Harbor looks to the Future with Solar Panel Installation at Kress Pavilion - Community’s Green Tier Initiatives and Village Mission Realized with Green Power

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Egg Harbor)—January 15, 2021—This week the Village of Egg Harbor Trustees approved a public bid by Eland Electric of Green Bay to install ground mounted solar panels at the Kress Pavilion, Egg Harbor’s Community Center and Library. The project is the latest project to coincide with the Village’s Green Tier initiatives and takes advantage of Solar for Good and Focus on Energy Grants.

               

The panels, donated by the Solar for Good Program, are bifacial modules and produce solar power from both sides of the panel. The project is set to be complete the summer of 2021 will convert 20% of the Kress Pavilion’s power to renewable energy and offset 18 tons of CO2 each year.  

                    

“I am proud of the Egg Harbor community’s embrace of Green Tier initiatives,” said Village of Egg Harbor Trustee and Green Tier Initiative Leader, Angela Lensch. “Egg Harbor is dedicated to weaving renewable energy into our projects. This supports our goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing solar for our public building, it will decrease our community’s dependence on fossil-fuel-based electricity, reduce electric bills and support the expansion of community solar. This program can easily be replicated in other municipalities throughout Door County.”

                

In addition to the panels, the village installed four donated electric car charging stations in 2020.The chargers were donated by Tesla and Egg Harbor resident and electric vehicle owner, Bill Freyman. “It’s the 21st Century and electric vehicles are the future.  The existence of a convenient centrally-located charging station is not only green, but also supports local businesses,” continues Freyman. “Our station, located at the Kress Center, is particularly attractive because electric car owners can take a short stroll to our restaurants and shops and enjoy everything the Village has to offer all while charging their cars.  Reviews of our charging station praise its terrific location.”

              

About Wisconsin DNR’s Green Tier: Green Tier is a voluntary program that recognizes and rewards environmental performance that voluntarily exceeds legal requirements related to health, safety and the environment resulting in continuous improvement in this state's environment, economy, and quality of life. Egg Harbor has been a Green Tier community since 2019.

           

About Eland Electric: Eland Electric is a family-owned electrical contractor that has been serving North East Wisconsin since 1958.  We perform electrical construction work across all sectors of the industry and all facets of electrical work, including solar photovoltaics.  All employees are state licensed electricians, and we are also a NABCEP certified solar PV installation contractor. 

           

About Solar for Good: RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative fosters the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin.

         

Through a generous partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation and the First Unitarian Society of Madison, RENEW Wisconsin awards grant-funding and solar panels to nonprofit organizations, helping them switch to clean, renewable, solar energy. Solar for Good also offers small grants for engineering reviews and technical assistance to get projects started and see them through to success.

          

Solar for Good celebrates awarded solar projects and helps nonprofit organizations educate their communities about the benefits of solar power. Solar for Good has already helped over 80 nonprofits save money on their electric bills that they can reinvest in their missions.