The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is thrilled to announce the new Grow Solar Green Bay – Fox Valley program for 2025. Building on over 12 years of experience with solar programs across the state, this group buying program is an opportunity for residents of the Oneida Nation, Brown, Outagamie and Winnebago counties to purchase a home solar system at a below-market cost.
Partnering with local governments and community groups, Grow Solar Green Bay – Fox Valley is designed to help homeowners and small businesses cut down on energy costs by offering discounted solar panel installations. With energy bills on the rise, switching to solar can be a smart way to embrace clean energy while saving money in the long run.
“In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity!” says Evonne Waugh, Grow Solar’s program manager. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.”
Through a solar group buy, community members join together to get better pricing on solar panel installations. Grow Solar will host free educational sessions, known as “Solar Power Hours,” to help everyone understand the ins and outs of solar energy. After these sessions, interested homeowners will be connected with a trusted solar installer for personalized site assessments and project proposals.
Endries Solar & Electric has been independently selected to be the program’s installer in 2025. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Grow Solar program to expand solar access in our region,” says Russel Endries, owner and president of Endries Solar & Electric. “There is a lot of untapped solar potential in northeast Wisconsin, and we’re excited for this opportunity to share the benefits of solar power with more residents this year.”
The financial benefits of switching to solar are clear and long-lasting. “Once you go solar, you start saving on your electricity bills right away,” says Michael Troge, Energy Projects Manager with the Oneida Nation, a Grow Solar partner. “And since the panels last for decades, those savings really stack up over time, making solar a wise long-term investment.”
Grow Solar programs have been offered in 24 markets across six Midwestern states over the past 12 years. Nearly 25 megawatts of new clean energy generation has been added through those programs, producing millions of kilowatt-hours of clean electricity from the sun every year.
“Previous Grow Solar programs have collectively saved participants hundreds of thousands of dollars on their energy bills, and we want residents of northeast Wisconsin to access those savings!” says Alex Galt, the clean energy connector for the City of Green Bay. “Incentives that make solar panels much more affordable are still in place, making 2025 a great time to make the switch to solar.”
The program’s free Solar Power Hours will be hosted throughout the spring and summer, both in-person and virtually. The first virtual Solar Power Hour will be on Tuesday, May 6 at 12:00pm on Zoom. The first in-person presentation will be on Tuesday, May 27 at VFW Post 7784 in Oneida. The program will run May through September. For more information about the program and a full schedule of events, visit growsolar.org.
