The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act included amazing incentives and supports to move businesses, governments, non-profits, and individuals toward clean, renewable energy. Credits and incentives were set to expire, in most cases, in the next decade, but the Trump regime and its sycophants in Congress have other ideas. Some of these credits may end this year or next. So, if you care about the ever-worsening climate crisis, if you want to save money or ditch the fossil fuel industry as much as possible, act now before these incentives are cancelled.

Grow Solar is a solar group buy program for those in La Crosse County run by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. Have a solar site assessment and learn the cost of installing solar. The group buy reduces the solar panel price to make it more affordable. In addition, federal credits and rebates are still in effect that can reduce the price of your project even more. Pay back times vary, but the price of electricity continue to rise. The solar credits are expected to end this year if our Republican overlords have their way. Now is the time to take the plunge. Attend a Solar Power Hour info session:
- In-Person Solar Power Hour: Tuesday, June 4th at 5:30PM, at the People’s Food Co-op. Co-Hosted by the City of La Crosse and La Crosse County. REGISTER HERE
- In-Person Solar Power Hour: Thursday, June 26th at 5:30pm at the Holmen Library. Co-Hosted by La Crosse County. REGISTER HERE
- In-Person Solar Power Hour: Thursday, July 15th at 5:30pm at the Onalaska City Hall. Co-Hosted by La Crosse County. REGISTER HERE
- In-Person Solar Power Hour: Thursday, August 7th at 5:30pm at the Nature Place. Co-Hosted by the City of La Crosse and La Crosse County. REGISTER HERE
Still need more convincing? Check out the 2023 Solar La Crosse Tour web site to see a sample of the variety of installations already in our area. Email us if you would like to chat with those who have already gone solar!
Another great program, this one for City of La Crosse residents, is a city partnership with Green Homeowners United, as part of the La Crosse Climate Action Plan. The program helps identify those who are eligible for income-based Focus on Energy credits. Eligible homeowners and landlords will receive- free home energy assessment
- free on-the-spot energy upgrades like free sealing, LED lights, and HVAC duct sealing
- up to $25,000 worth of additional grants to cover more sealing and insulating, electrification of heating system, and electrical service upgrades
Those already receiving assistance like WHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. are automatically eligible. Others may qualify by income.
Monthly gross income limits (in most cases, Line 9 of 2024 1040):
- One person = $55,100
- Two people = $63,000
- Three people= $70,850
- Four people = $78,700
- Five people = $85,000
See the FoE eligibility page for more information.
To see if you are eligible, visit the program website. Act now - some credits may end soon!
Coming in September: applications will open for another round of Solar for Good grants funded by the Couillard Solar Foundation and administered though RENEW Wisconsin. "Through a generous partnership with the Couillard Solar Foundation, RENEW Wisconsin awards grant funding or solar panels to nonprofit organizations, helping them switch to clean, renewable, solar energy. ... RENEW Wisconsin prioritizes organizations that work in the areas of social justice, low-income communities, people of color, children or seniors, rural Wisconsin, education, and new technology or innovation."