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SOLAR PANELS: A worker adjusts the solar paneling on a home. Solar paneling is becoming increasing popular for homeowners as prices decrease (Sascha Schuerrmann/AFP/Getty Images)
Milwaukee is providing incentives for its citizens to buy solar paneling for their homes by making financing options affordable.
Milwaukee Shines, the City of Milwaukee’s solar program is using a citywide approach to help reduce energy costs for the community by providing low-interest loans for solar paneling. Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing program will be launched officially on July 28.
“Historically, one of the barriers to installing solar power in homes has been the upfront costs. This loan program reduces that impediment and for as little as a few hundred dollars, a homeowner can create energy efficiency in his home and begin saving money immediately,” said Alderman Tony Zielinski.
A US Department of Energy (DOE), Solar America Cities, grant funds to Milwaukee Shines. The DOE designated 25 major U.S. cities to take part in the solar program that provides financial and technical assistance to increase the use of solar energy. Some other cities involved in the program include Madison, St. Paul, New York City, San Francisco, and Portland. The DOE awarded Milwaukee $200,000 in 2008 to start the Milwaukee Shines program.
The city will give homeowners innovative incentives including low-interest rate financing, reduced permit fees and fee rebates. Milwaukee residents interested in the program can attend community forums every Friday to learn the process of installing solar paneling. Another goal is to increase the number of local solar installers and assist them with training and certification
The cost of installing solar paneling in homes varies. According to solarpowerauthoritycost.com, it costs approximately $35,000 to $72,000 to install solar panels on a home. The biggest factor for costs is location. People in regions that get less average sunshine per day need to buy more solar paneling.
Another spin-off project with Milwaukee Shines called Solar School Swap involves two local high schools. James Madison and Bayview. Each school will install solar electric and solar water heating. The idea is to have a friendly, yet competitive format to facilitate a learning competition based on students assessing, financing, and installing solar systems. The project will also educate the broader community about the benefits of solar energy.
