Our Impact

Since our beginnings in 2017, the Couillard Solar Foundation is proud to have supported the completion of over 150 new solar projects. From schools and libraries, to churches and service groups, organizations across Wisconsin have been able to go solar with help from CSF.

We know that nonprofits often have a difficult time getting past the financial hurdle of installing solar. For many of these worthy organizations, utilities are a big part of their budget. We believe that nonprofits play a vital role in our Wisconsin communities and our mission is to support their  efforts to reduce reliance on carbon-based electricity, and to help them reap the benefits of clean, cost-effective solar.

Couillard Solar Foundation Project List

2024 Solar for Good Projects

2023 Solar for Good Projects

In 2023, the Solar for Good program became more competitive. With the Inflation Reduction Act being signed into law in summer of 2022, and the creation of the Direct Pay rebate for nonprofits investing in clean energy technology like solar array, CSF felt that the best use of our limited funds was to focus on those organizations whose missions were primarily service driven. That includes education, of course, but also social justice, meeting the needs of those living below the poverty line, veterans, the elderly, people of color and those living in areas that have traditionally been less able to take advantage of the benefits of clean energy policies, such as rural communities and inner city neighborhoods. While CSF and Solar for Good want to help everyone who asks, we are confident that with the IRA and the Direct Pay option, there are organizations out there who can make their solar goals happen without our direct intervention, and we hope to use that new benefit as a way reach those organizations who never even thought solar power was an option.

2022 Solar for Good Projects

The Solar For Good application period in the Spring of 2022 was the highest number of applications and grant recipients yet, with 38 projects totalling 2.241 MW for the Spring round alone. All together, Solar For Good awarded 52 projects a total of just over 2.7 MW of solar power. And of those granted, 4 of the projects were organizations that had cancelled their solar in a previous year and reapplied this year.

2021 Solar for Good Projects

In 2021 Solar for Good originally granted 35 projects, but of those 8 projects cancelled for a variety of reasons. However, the remaining 27 projects total 1.211 MW of new solar power with $250,563 in grants.

2020/2021 Solar on Schools Projects

2020 Solar for Good Projects

In 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, projects still went forward. All together 22 Solar for Good projects were completed, adding 1.02 MW of solar power to Wisconsin’s energy grid. The total value of the grants was $294,807.

2019/2020 Solar on Schools Projects

2019 Solar for Good Projects

In 2019 the Solar For Good program helped build 21 solar projects, totalling 738 kW with grants valued at $239,706. Many of these projects were for housing for low-income or senior housing, poverty alleviation programs and food banks.

2018 Solar for Good Projects

2018 was the first year that the Solar For Good program had two application rounds, setting the pattern the program has followed ever since, with one application period in the Spring and another in the Fall. This was also one of the programs highest years for participation, with 37 projects, totalling 1.494 MW of solar power added to Wisconsin’s power grid. The value of donations for that year was $408,319.

2017 Solar for Good Projects