Telling Wisconsin's clean energy stories
Consumers, businesses, local governments, tribes, and nonprofits across Wisconsin are using the benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act to improve their homes and communities, save money, and be part of the climate solution. Scroll down to see their stories - and learn how easy it is to save money, reduce your energy use, and protect our environment for future generations.
When the Vernon Economic Development Association (VEDA) transformed a former factory into the Food Enterprise Center, it opened the door for dozens of small businesses to thrive in Viroqua. In 2023, the Center added a 100 kW solar array – 30 percent of which was funded through the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provision.
In this video, tenants of the Center share how on-site solar is lowering their energy costs, helping them to grow their businesses and reinvest in their community. With these federal incentives now at risk, local entrepreneurs speak out about what’s at stake – and why continued investment in rural communities and small businesses is “a really important piece in moving America forward together.”
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Cynthia Hirsch
"I have an obligation to conserve the planet, conserve the state of Wisconsin, and conserve the environment for my grandchildren and their grandchildren."
Read Cynthia's postLEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAN ENERGY BENEFITS
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the City of Appleton was able to save almost two million dollars in the construction of their new library downtown. With those savings, the city will reinvest that money to put solar panels on the roof of the new library in addition to the already planned energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling.
Don Beduhn
"I think it's important to make clean energy improvements for my home is to consume less natural resources and it saves money."
Watch Don's story
Rhonda Brodbeck
“During daylight hours, my solar system covers virtually all of my electrical usage. A year ago, my August electric bill was $120. This August, my electric bill was $32. On last year's taxes, I had a tax credit of over $6000 thanks to President Biden's Affordable Clean Energy Plan.”
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When Chris Lannoye of Arlington, Wisconsin initially looked into residential solar in 2021, he couldn't justify the expense. But in 2023, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act's 30 percent credit for solar systems, Chris was able to realize his dream of having a solar system installed at his home. In this video he breaks down some of the costs and incentives that went into the project, and gives insight on how his solar pairs perfectly with his electric vehicles.
Brittney Holcomb, Greendale
“Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), my husband and I were able to purchase a new vehicle that met the needs of our expanding family. I'm thankful to be able to reduce my contribution to air pollution and use of limited resources."
Paulette Mergendahl, Hudson
“Last year my siding was being replaced due to storm damage, so I decided to replace some old windows and my front door. I didn’t know about Pres. Biden's Affordable Clean Energy Plan at the time, but knew I wanted my home to be more energy efficient. When tax time rolled around this year, my accountant explained there were tax incentives in this program to help offset the cost. I received a refund on my taxes thanks to the Affordable Clean Energy Plan.”
In the heart of Wisconsin's beautiful Driftless Region, Couleecap Inc. works to help fight poverty by carrying out home energy assessments and weatherization for low-income households. Couleecap Energy Services Director Tom Mayne walks us through the transformative impact of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) on Couleecap's Energy Services program.
Mark Rider, Wauwatosa
“Beyond the IRA for solar, we will be installing a heat pump electric water heater and claiming a 30 percent tax credit on the $1700 cost. The environmental and economic payback were the main drivers for us to complete this project, but the IRA was the icing on the cake."
Young voters share their thoughts on the Inflation Reduction Act. It's helping to create jobs, provide money for clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades, and reduce carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030.
Jacqui Guthrie is a Stevens Point educator and city council member who recently had a solar system installed at her home. With the help of clean energy tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, she is saving money and reducing her carbon footprint. Learn about how the process worked for her, and how Stevens Point is committing to a clean energy future, in this insightful video.