AMHERST – The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) announces the return of the Grow Solar Central Wisconsin program for 2026, marking its ninth year. The program helps residents and small businesses in Portage, Marathon, Waupaca, Waushara, Wood, and Lincoln counties purchase solar systems at below-market prices. 

The initiative partners with the cities of Stevens Point and Wausau to address rising electricity costs.

Solar Power Hours, free educational sessions on solar energy, will be held both virtually and in-person throughout spring and summer. The first session is a Zoom webinar on Tuesday, May 12, at 12:30 p.m., followed by an in-person kickoff on Wednesday, May 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Marathon County Public Library in Wausau. 

Participants gain additional savings through the group-buy model, which leverages bulk purchasing to lower installation costs. Northwind Solar, based in Amherst, has been selected as the installer for 2026.

Over its previous eight years, Grow Solar has installed more than 2 megawatts of solar capacity, powering more than 184 homes annually and helping over 340 properties, small businesses, and nonprofits adopt solar. One example is the International Bank of Amherst, which upgraded its solar system during a roof replacement last year. “The Grow Solar group buy discount, and the Focus on Energy rebate were great enhancements,” says H B “Butch” Pomeroy, the bank’s president.

For more information and a full schedule, visit this link.

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