Big ball of fire heats water for UW-Oshkosh

From an article by Doug Zellmer in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

OSHKOSH — That big ball of fire in the sky is creating some green for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

The installation of 120 solar thermal panels on the roofs of four campus buildings — Albee Hall, Blackhawk Commons, Taylor residence hall and the heating plant — are harnessing energy from the sun.

Collectively they make up the largest solar thermal system in the state.

In addition, solar and photovoltaic panels are in the final phase of installation at the new Sage Hall, the $40 million four-story academic building that will open for classes this fall. The building is expected to save about $182,000 a year in energy costs, predominately through energy efficient state-of-the-art construction.

"This is one of our campus planning goals. We want to reduce the consumption of carbon-based fuels like coal and natural gas," said Steve Arndt, director of facilities management at UW-Oshkosh.

The cost for the solar thermal panel project for the four buildings, excluding Sage Hall, which is being done by a separate contractor, is about $700,000 and includes pumps, piping, tanks, controllers, roofing work, labor and the solar thermal panels.

However, UW-Oshkosh isn't paying a penny for it. Regenesis Solar is paying for and are owners of the thermal system on the four buildings.

It sells the thermal energy on a metered basis to the state.

Although the estimated annual reduction in energy costs was not immediately available, solar thermal panels installed on the four buildings are expected to generate a natural gas savings of $10,000 annually, said Mike Lizotte, director of sustainability for UW-Oshkosh.

He lauded the solar thermal panel system and its versatility.

"One is going to wash dishes, one is for showers in a dorm, one is to heat a pool and one is heating

UWO still tops in state for solar thermal panels

Energy groups oppose bill to undermine Wisconsin's renewable energy commitment

From statements issued by three groups in opposition to Assembly Bill 146:

"Clearly, this bill is a drastic step in the wrong direction for our state. The Wisconsin Energy Business Association therefore opposes this attack on renewable energy in our state." - Wisconsin Energy Business Association. Full statement.

We strongly recommend that this bill not be approved as it solves no known problem in Wisconsin and seeks only to roll-back policies on renewable energy that have served the state well and are otherwise benefitting Wisconsin residents with cleaner air and lower prices for electricity. - Wind on the Wires. Full statement.

Fresh attack on Wisconsin voters’ desire for a renewable energy standard would kill wind projects and sap state’s economy, say wind energy advocates - American Wind Energy Association. Full statement.

'Green' job market continues to experience growth

From an article by Sarah Kloepping in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:

MANITOWOC — Richard Larson, president of Manitowoc-based GreenSky Energetics Inc., said the industry for energy-efficiency products is growing and will continue to do so.

"The future holds higher energy costs, and might I be so bold to say you'd have to be stupid to not look at these devices, because they will definitely lower your energy costs," he said.

Larson said GreenSky, which installs solar heating systems throughout the state, does not anticipate hiring more employees in the near future, but he thinks the industry as a whole will continue to expand.

"GreenSky is not anticipating hiring more, and it's because there are more contractors now that are installing them," he said. "So, there is more competition. I think overall the industry is going to hire more. It's a win-win all the way across the board. There are no losers in this green-energy job sector scenario."

Promising future
Jenny Heinzen, wind energy technology instructor at Lakeshore Technical College, said she has witnessed many students get jobs out of school in both "small wind," which includes residential, small business and farm projects, and "big wind," or utility-scale projects.

"Three graduates are working on large wind farms in Wisconsin, and a few are working on large wind farms in other states," she said. "Additionally, at least six are employed in small wind and working in Wisconsin.

Dual solar power will produce savings at Outagamie County airport

From an article by Pete Bach in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

GREENVILLE — The Outagamie County Regional Airport terminal has long basked in the sun. By this time next month, old Sol will shed its rays on two separate sets of rooftop solar panels to heat water and generate electricity.

The $903,000 project has already gotten funding commitments from the Department of Energy and state Board of Aeronautics, with grants from the pair totaling about $778,000. The county will pick up the balance of the cost assuming that Milwaukee-based utility We Energies or Focus on Energy of Madison doesn't match the gap.

Both systems combined may save the county $6,000 annually.

"We anticipate the return to be under 10 years," said Airport Director Marty Lenss.

Lenss said by itself, the $6,000 in savings isn't a huge sum. But anything a consuming entity can to do to counter upwardly spiraling utilities costs helps. And it builds benefits.

"Your dividends start to pay a little more higher return over time as utility rates go up," he said. The savings equate to about two or three cents per square foot on tenant rental rates.

The airport can gain in another way. By generating electricity it won't need for its own consumption, a clause with We Energies allows the airport to sell the excess power onto the utility grid on a dollar-for-dollar credit basis.

Manitowoc solar and energy conservation projects under way

From an article by Greg Buckley in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:

Work on energy-conserving measures at various city facilities, funded in large part with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is under way.

Just this week, contractors from Schaus Heating and Cooling completed installation of variable-speed drives on the blowers that move air through the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system at City Hall. Savings in electricity consumption from this project should exceed the $12,400 capital cost in just over two years.

Contracts recently were awarded to two area firms that will install solar water heating systems at other city buildings. GreenSky Energetics of Manitowoc was low bidder at $24,701 for a solar water heating system at the senior center. Jindra Plumbing of Manitowoc won the bid for installing a similar system at the fire department for $18,950.

There are contracts still to be set for lighting upgrades totaling about $50,000 at various city buildings. New energy-efficient fixtures will be installed at City Hall, Lester Public Library, the Public Works garage and the cemetery maintenance building.

Open house of solar homes and businesses, Oct. 2

Visit homes and businesses around the state to see renewable energy up close. In addition to showcasing solar and wind power, houses will feature energy efficiency, green building techniques, and sustainable living ideas. Speak with home and business owners and find out how renewable energy works for them. Self selected driving tours will be available throughout the state.

Tours are FREE and open to the public between 10 am and 4 pm. To view the locations and details of the sites in your area, go to http://www.the-mrea.org/solartour.php.

The Wisconsin solar tours are part of the National Solar Tours of the American Solar Energy Society that are happening in states across the country on the same day.

Solar hot water goes up at Lakeshore Technical College

Johnson Controls installed a five-panel solar hot water systems on the Trade & Industry building at Lakeshore Technical College on September 10.

UW Oshkosh is going solar

From an article by Jaime Hunt in The Northwestern, Oshkosh:

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is installing its first solar energy systems to provide the campus with electricity and hot water. This is the first wave of solar power installations that will soon be commonplace on the campus.

A photovoltaic array has been installed on a popular walkway adjacent to the campus tennis courts. The 2.9-kilowatt system slowly adjusts position to track the sun as it moves from east to west and as it rises and falls in the sky. The system was installed by Appleton Solar and funded as a State of Wisconsin Energy Conservation Project with support from Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service.

Water will be heated by 120 solar panels being installed on the rooftops of four buildings to serve a wide range of needs. Blackhawk Commons will generate hot water for food service and dishwashers. Hot water for showers will be provided in Taylor Hall. Albee Hall solar collectors will heat an indoor swimming pool. The campus Heating Plant will pre-heat water used to generate steam and heat campus buildings. These solar systems will replace natural gas or coal-based heat.

The Solar Thermal Energy Systems are being installed and maintained by H&H Energy Services of Madison. Funding is through a State Solar Energy Agreement that allows the systems to be owned privately by Regenesis Power of California, who will then sell the heat to UW Oshkosh at a set cost. Focus on Energy is also providing financial incentives.

New construction and refurbishment projects at UW Oshkosh are planning to add more solar power in the future.

“University buildings have long lives, so it makes sense to build them with solar power upgrades in mind and to install the systems that are affordable today,” said Michael Lizotte, UW Oshkosh director of sustainability.

Two Rivers gets funds for solar installation and energy efficiency

From an article by Cindy Hodgson in the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter:

TWO RIVERS — The city will receive a $74,700 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for energy-saving projects at city buildings, City Manager Greg Buckley announced recently.

Two Rivers is one of 82 municipalities to receive funding from the program, which is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and Office of Energy Independence, according to a news release.

Buckley told the City Council at its meeting Monday the city had applied for about $85,000.

The city still needs to sign a final agreement with the Department of Commerce.

The grant requires a local match of at least $32,400, which will be obtained through a no-interest loan from WPPI Energy, which supplies the city's electricity.

The money will be used for more energy-efficient interior lighting at Lester Public Library, City Hall and garages used by the public works and cemetery departments; solar water heating systems at the fire station and the Two Rivers Senior Center; and variable speed motors for the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system at City Hall.

This manufacturer supports Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Jobs Act

From an article by Neal Verfuerth on BizTimes.com:

The sun is the source of all energy on Earth. Yet, here in Wisconsin, the direct use of the immense energy of the sun is not considered a renewable resource. Most people do not believe this when the concept is first introduced to them because they know - intuitively - there is nothing more renewable than the sun … at least for the next 5 billion years.

But it’s true.

It will take a majority vote of both the Assembly and the Senate at the state Capitol and the signature of Gov. Jim Doyle to make the sun’s direct energy a renewable resource in Wisconsin.

The good news is that a broad list of business, trade and environmental groups, including Orion Energy Systems Inc., are working with the governor and the legislature to make this happen.

“Direct-use” renewables such as solar hot water heating, geo-thermal heating and “light pipe” technology would soon be included in Wisconsin’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a result of the passage of either the Clean Energy Jobs Act (LRB-3883/1), or independent legislation authored by Sen. Jeff Plale and Reps. Jim Soletski and Ted Zigmunt (SB273/AB401).

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) identifies those technologies defined as “renewables” in our state.

Why is this good for the people of Wisconsin? Well, the new law will create jobs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels (Wisconsin imports all of its fossil fuel resources from out of state) and dramatically reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and other health threatening pollutants.

A safe investment in 2010: Hot water

Though written in 2007, an analysis by RENEW's executive director Michael Vickerman may be even truer today an a few years ago, given the risk involved in "traditional" investments. The analysis shows that an investmnet in a solar hot water system generates a better rate of return than putting money in the bank:

I wrote a column which was highly critical of using payback analysis to figure out whether installing a solar hot water system on one’s house makes economic sense. In almost every example you can imagine, the payback period for today’s solar installations ranges between long and forever. For my system, which started operating in January 2006, payback will be achieved in a mere 19 years using today’s energy prices, though by the time 2025 rolls around, half of Florida might be under water and the rest of the country out of natural gas.

But there’s no reason to let payback length rule one’s ability to invest in sustainable energy for the home or business, especially if there are other approaches to valuing important economic decisions. One way to sidestep the gloomy verdicts of payback analysis is to do what most companies do when contemplating a long-term investment like solar energy -- calculate the internal rate of return (IRR) on the invested capital. The definition of IRR is the annualized effective compounded return rate which can be earned on the invested capital, i.e. the yield on the investment.

By using this familiar capital budgeting method, I’m able to calculate an IRR of 6.1%for my solar water heater if natural gas prices rise a measly 3% per annum. That yield exceeds anything that a bank will offer you today. It will likely outperform the stock market this year, which is due for a substantial downward adjustment to reflect the slow-motion implosion of the housing market now underway. And, unless you live in a gold-rush community like Fort McMurray, Alberta, your house will do well just to hold onto its current valuation, let alone appreciate by six percent.

While all investments pose some degree of risk, the return on a solar energy system is about as safe and predictable as, well, the rising sun. Fortunately for the Earth and its varied inhabitants, the center of our solar system is situated well beyond the reach of humanity’s capacity to tamper with a good thing.

Energizing Fort Atkinson’s schools with the sun and earth

The solar water heating systems serve Fort Atkinson high school and the middle school. The radiant energy striking the rooftop panels year-round is efficiently collected and taken inside to preheat the swimming pools inside each structure. Except during the winter months, the incoming solar energy is sufficient to maintain pool temperatures at 84°F. Even in January, however, the savings that a solar hot water system yields simply by preheating a pool to 70°F is substantial when multiplied over several decades.

From a story by Michael Vickerman, RENEW's executive director:

As a result of educating themselves on the connection between energy use and atmospheric pollution, several school districts in Wisconsin are taking increasingly aggressive steps to conserve energy as well as produce a portion of what they use on-site. Some have embraced ground source heat pump systems (Fond du Lac High School), while others have installed solar hot water systems (Osceola Middle School) and solar electric systems (Paul Olson elementary school in Madison). Not to be outdone, Wausau East High School recently installed a 100 kW Northwind turbine, which is now the largest wind generator attached to a school building in Wisconsin.

Yet if one measures success by substantial reductions in energy expenditures and emissions reductions, there is one school district in Wisconsin that stands head and shoulders above its peers: Fort Atkinson. Serving 2,700 school-age children in a community of 12,000, the Fort Atkinson School District operates six buildings: four elementary schools, one middle school and a high school. School officials have made no secret of their aspiration to make Fort Atkinson the most energy-efficient and self-sufficient K-12 district in the state.

Since 2005, Fort Atkinson has rigorously pursued a sustainable energy agenda that integrates, in a systematic and complementary fashion, continuous monitoring of consumption, aggressive building efficiency measures, and renewable energy capture. As articulated in its 2009 energy plan, the district, the district’s principal goals for 2010 are nothing if not ambitious:

+ Pare energy costs by 20% from 2005 levels;
+ Lower carbon emissions by 25% from 2005 levels;
+ Obtain EnergyStar certification for all six schools; and
+ Install on-site renewable production at all six schools.

Solar thermal expo and conference,December 3-4

From the Midwest Renewable Energy Association:

SOLAR THERMAL '09 is a national conference and expo for the solar thermal professional. The Midwest Renewable Energy Association invites you to the only professional level conference devoted to solar heating and cooling.

Installers, manufacturers, site assessors, dealers, distributors, state agency representatives, and policy makers will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind conference.

TOPICS INCLUDE:
•Solar hot water, solar hot air, and solar space heating sessions
•Manufacturer and dealer updates
•Best practices on residential and commercial applications
•New control and balance of system options
•Structural considerations
•State policy and incentive updates

Register here.

Registration opens for Solar Decade Conference, Oct. 2, Milwaukee

From the Web page of the Solar Decade:

Join renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!

Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!

•Learn about the latest solar energy applications for your home and business
•Discover opportunities to tap the renewable energy market and expand your business
•Network with fellow builders, contractors, homeowners and business owners

Keynote speakers
Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski
Executive Director of Science and Technology Partnerships, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Dr. Lawrence L. Kazmerski, executive director of science and technology partnerships at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, is a solar-energy industry veteran who has authored hundreds of journal papers and several books on solar photovoltaics. For his years of research and work, "Kaz" has received recognition both nationally and internationally.

Travis Bradford
Founder and President - Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development

Travis Bradford is founder and president of the Prometheus Institute for Sustainable Development, a nonprofit organization focused on harnessing the power of the business sector to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions in technology. In his most recent book, Solar Revolution, Bradford argues that solar energy will become the best and cheapest choice for energy over the next 20 years.

Register here.

Northeast Wisconsin firms receive renewable energy grants

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

MADISON, Wis. (July 8, 2009) - Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, has awarded grants totaling more than $2.6 million to help businesses statewide finance the installation of large renewable energy systems. Funds were awarded on a competitive basis to help eligible businesses become more energy independent.

"The grants awarded offer businesses financial assistance for projects that will make a significant impact on Wisconsin's growing renewable energy market; in fact, these larger renewable energy systems offer businesses a way to lessen their dependence on fossil fuel based energy use, in turn reducing pollution" said Don Wichert, program director for Focus on Energy. "It is my hope more organizations will look to these businesses as shining examples of energy pioneers — and follow their example."

Grant Recipients
Following are the grant recipients in their respective technologies:

Solar Electric
Orion Electric Systems in Manitowoc, Wis., was awarded $250,000 to install a 273 kilowatt (kW) solar electric system. Orion Energy Systems labels itself as a technology center, designed with the express intention of reaching out to the community and developing an education program to introduce various energy technologies and devices to the public. To this end, its solar electric system will serve as a demonstration and educational tool. In addition, the project will be the largest solar electric system in the state and the first in the state to use an innovative cylindrical solar thin film technology.

Biogas
PPC Partners Inc. in Plymouth, Wis., was awarded $500,000 to complete a 1,137 kW anaerobic digester energy system. PPC Partners will own the system; however, it will be located at Goeser Dairy LLC, a 1,000 head dairy operation. Goeser Dairy will provide the majority of waste stream to serve as the digester's feedstock and other wastes will also be used. The dairy will benefit from the enhanced waste and odor management system as well as reduced bedding fees.

The City of Sheboygan Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) was awarded $205,920 to install a biogas maximization system. The Sheboygan WWTP has been successfully operating a number of 300 kW microturbine systems for nearly four years. The new biogas maximization system will increase the gas production of the existing anaerobic digester from 30 percent to 60 percent. To capture the energy from the increased amount of biogas, the city will install two additional 200 kW microturbines, bringing the total generation capacity of the WWTP up to 700 kW.

Dairy Dreams LLC of Casco, Wis., a 3,000 head dairy operation, was awarded $434,477 for the installation of an 800 kW anaerobic digester energy system. The system will produce energy, while helping to manage waste and control odor.

Other grant recipients
Industrial Towel & Uniform (ITU) Inc. of New Berlin, Wis., an industrial laundry service company, was awarded $170,000 to install a 10,000 square foot solar hot water system. This system will reduce ITU's natural gas use by 28,388 therms a year, a significant decrease in its annual natural gas consumption. The system will be the largest solar water heating system in the state when completed.

Cashton Greens Wind Farm LLC of Cashton, Wis., was awarded $250,000 to install two wind turbines with a 5,000 kW capacity. The two-turbine wind farm is an innovative partnership between Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (CROPP), Western Technical College (WTC) and Gundersen Lutheran Health System Inc. It will be the first "community wind" project in the state and its two turbines will be the largest in the state.

Clear Horizons LLC in Sun Prairie, Wis., was awarded $500,000 to complete a 1,137 kW anaerobic digester energy system. Clear Horizons will own the system; however, it will be located at Maunesha River Dairy, a 1,000 head dairy operation. The dairy's waste stream will serve as the digester's feed stock and will use additional organic wastes from other sources. The system will produce energy, help manage waste and control odor.

Gundersen Lutheran Envision LLC in La Crosse, Wis., was awarded $376,057 to install a biomass fired steam plant to produce renewable thermal energy for Gundersen Lutheran Hospital's main campus. The system is estimated to provide approximately 95 percent of the campus' thermal needs. The boiler system will be fired with both wood waste and agricultural waste.

Businesses Statewide Are Eligible
In addition to the grants awarded, Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for smaller renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. To learn more about Focus on Energy, available financial incentives, or to get an application, call (800) 762-7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

Wisconsin's energy experts answer your questions on interactive Web site

From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:

(April 27, 2009) - What's the best way to reduce my home's cooling costs? Are there tax credits available for my renewable energy project? What's the most energy efficient hot water heater? Could new lighting fixtures save my business money? These are among the thousands of questions Wisconsin residents are asking themselves every day. Thankfully, there's an easy and accessible resource where they can get their energy questions answered, as Focus on Energy has launched a new interactive Web site titled 'Ask Focus on Energy' (askfocusonenergy.com).

"The purpose of the Web site is to fulfill the public's growing desire for easily accessible information on the timely topic of energy," said Kathy Kuntz, program director for Focus on Energy. "Given the economic and energy climate, consumers and businesses are now, more than ever, looking to learn how energy efficiency and renewable energy relates specifically to their needs."

How the Web site Works
When you visit the 'Ask Focus on Energy' Web site you have the opportunity to submit a question, or search other questions that may relate to your area of interest. Once your question is submitted, if it is similar to a question already on the site, the answer will immediately appear. However, if your question is unique from any on the Web site, it will be sent to a panel of Focus on Energy experts for review. If your question is selected, it will be answered by one of our experts and posted on the Web site.

As so many people have similar questions and shared interests, you can also search a variety of energy-related topics to see what other people are asking. And to stay even more connected, you can now find Focus on Energy on Facebook and Twitter. These communities allow you to stay up-to-date on the questions and answers being added to the new Web site, as well as get regular energy saving tips.

Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity to build 14 solar-equipped homes

From an article by in the Appleton Post-Crescent:

Menasha — Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity plans to equip all 14 homes it builds in 2009 with either a solar water heating system or a photovoltaic electrical generating system.

The project is supported by a partnership of utility corporations, non-profit organizations, and educational establishments including We Energies, Kaukauna Utilities, Focus on Energy, Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

Habitat for Humanity will begin construction of its first solar equipped home in the Fox Valley this month in Appleton.

"We have been employing green building practices for a while now," said Habitat executive director John Weyenberg. "This is only the next logical step in our effort to promote housing that is not only simple, decent, and affordable, but environmentally sound as well."

This is the second major solar project for Habitat in Wisconsin. In 2008, Milwaukee's affiliate of Habitat for Humanity built 20 homes, equipping them with solar hot water and solar electricity.

"This is technology we know works," said Habitat construction supervisor Kevin Franz. "It's more of a demonstration to show other homebuyers that solar energy is practical even this far north.

"It's also to help stimulate the technical education required. We need many more trained solar system installers in northeast Wisconsin and we hope that by partnering with institutions like NWTC we can move the process along.

We Energies workshop explains renewable incentives for non-profits, April 23, Appleton

From We Energies about the workshop on April 23 in Appleton:

Considering a solar hot water, solar electric photovoltaic (PV) or wind energy system for your organization? We provide financial incentives ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for selected customer-owned renewable energy projects. The projects must meet eligibility criteria of ownership by a not-for-profit organization, not-for-profit educational/academic institution, unit of government, or special district or authority defined as government under Wisconsin law.

This workshop will educate the attendee about renewable energy and how it works, the incentives that are available and present some successful projects. The workshop is free to We Energies electric customers representing a not-for-profit, school or unit of government, but advance registration is required.

Agenda 8 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast
8:45 a.m. Welcome and opening comments
9 a.m. What is renewable energy and how does it work?
9:30 a.m. What does it take to get a renewable energy system grant and who is available to help?
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Success stories, financing options, benefits to non-profit organizations
11:30 a.m. Monitoring system demo, Renewable Energy Stewards
12 noon Lunch

Workshop Location
We Energies Winnebago Service Center
800 S. Lynndale Drive, Appleton, WI

Directions
- Exit Highway 41 at College Avenue.
- Turn east on College Avenue and travel 2.5 miles to Lynndale Drive.
- Turn right on Lynndale Drive to stop sign.
- Cross over to Spencer (2 blocks), follow to site.

More details here.

Register here to attend.

Tax credits help fuel interest in alternative energies

From an article by Malavika Jagannathan in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

The promise of tax credits and savings could persuade more people to tap into alternative energy sources for their homes, businesses and cars in the coming years.

"People who have gas or fuel oil want to get away from it," said Rick Mccutchin, president and owner of Alternate Energys Inc. in Wrightstown. "Now with this stimulus package, if people know about (the tax credits), I believe they will flock to alternative sources."

Mccutchin's company originally installed conventional heating and cooling systems, offering geothermal systems as an alternative.

About two to three years ago, the company did about half and half.

Today they only install geothermal systems, which extracts and exchanges the earth's heat, providing either cooler or warmer temperatures inside a building.

Last year the company did about 64 installations — about 70 percent in existing homes and 30 percent in new homes — but Mccutchin expects more to come his way this year, partially thanks to the increase in tax credits as outlined in the stimulus package.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 — the stimulus bill signed into law by President Barack Obama — included a number of changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. Federal tax credits for energy efficiency improvements have been raised from 10 percent to 30 percent, and caps on certain tax credits such as installing efficient windows and furnaces have been eliminated.

For a $20,000 geothermal system, a 30 percent tax credit would put it in the same cost range as a conventional heating and cooling system, Mccutchin said.

This stuff is not inexpensive," said Guy Fortin of Lake Michigan Wind & Sun in Sturgeon Bay. "Anything they can do to incentivize this helps."

If the cost of a solar electric system is $50,000, that could be cut in half when the 30 percent federal tax credits are combined with tax incentives from the state, Fortin explains.

The other attractiveness of renewable energy is its cleanliness when compared with fossil fuels, said Andy Williams, co-founder of Manitowoc-based GreenSky Energetics Inc., which installs solar thermal water heaters and solar forced air systems.