Resources
Here are a few resources to help anyone interested in the Couillard Solar Foundation, Solar for Good, Solar on Schools, or if you just want to know more about solar.
FAQ
Visit our FAQ page for your questions about the Couillard Solar Foundation programs, products, purchase or shipping information.
DIY Resources
If you plan to install your own solar system or want to do some research before contacting a professional installer, we’ve put together some resources to help. Here you will find information about how to get started with a solar system and how to find possible financial incentives available in your area.
Tools for Installers
Brochures and Information Sheets
Department of Energy Fact Sheets for Investment Tax Credits (ITC).
Market Research
Speed Solar is a proud member of the Solar Energy Industries Association. The SEIA produces a wealth of information about the solar energy market, energy policy and spearheads efforts to support the growth of solar energy in the U.S. Visit the SEIA Resources page for access to Fact Sheets, industry news, and an overview of solar industry data.
Bifacial News
A collection of articles on the latest information in Bifacial solar panel development.
Education and Schools Resources
Illinois Solar Schools
Launched in 2011, the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Solar Schools Program promotes solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at educational facilities and K-12 schools. The program promotes 1kW arrays on
Minnesota Youth Eco-Solutions Teams
YES! (Youth Eco Solutions) empowers youth in grades 7 to 12 to create solutions to today’s ecological challenges through hands-on. Annually, YES! impacts over 500 students, and as many as 20,000 community members. Through successful completion of over 1,200 ecological action projects in 12 years, YES! has demonstrated that youth are the innovators for solutions to today’s challenges while building the skills they need for their future. As one student commented, “I learned the power of what just 5 people can do to make a difference in my community.” We hope you will join the network of over 25 school districts that are currently hosting a YES! team and we can work together to make “Solar Possible” along with other earth-friendly projects. Contact: Shelli-Kae Foster, shelli-kae@yesmn.org, 320-441-9254 Service Area: Statewide
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) Solar Boat Regatta
At the MRES’ Solar Boat Regatta teams demonstrate knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to design and build boats powered by the sun. They compete in a number of races at a lake in Eden Prairie, culminating with a one-hour endurance race.
Contact: Doug Shoemaker, dougs@mnRenewables.
Service Area: Statewide
Youth Environmental Activists MN (YEA! MN)
A core program of Climate Generation, Youth Environmental Activists Minnesota (YEA! MN) is a network of high school students taking action for a just transition to a resilient climate future for all.
Contact: Jason Rodney, yeamn@climategen.org
Green Step Schools
Minnesota GreenStep Schools program a free and voluntary statewide best practices framework, community of practice, and recognition program for public and private K-12 schools and districts to reduce environmental impact and costs, improve health and well-being of students and staff, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education.
Contact: Jonee Kulman Brigham, kulma002@umn.edu, 651-895-7834
Enlightened Education: Solar Engineering Design to Energize School Facilities – A Case Study on Designing Solar Arrays for Schools Creating Financial Savings and Educational Opportunities
Prepared for the 2020 ASEE (The American Society for Engineering Education) Virtual Conference, this paper was written by Dr. Kenneth Walz, Joel Shoemaker, Steven Ansorg (all with the Madison College system in Wisconsin), Adam Gusse with Sunvest Solar and Nicholas Hylla with Midwest Renewable Energy Association. The paper is available with permission from the authors. This paper was selected te receive the First Place Best Paper Award for the conference.
A Playbook for Modernizing the Distribution Grid
This 19-page guide helps stakeholders evaluate distribution grid modernization proposals. This guide discusses goals and principals for grid modernization and includes a checklist for those involved in reviewing and approving modernization proposals. Developed by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and GridLab, this is the first in a series of publications intended to guide and support the incorporation of clean energy into public policy.
Classes on Solar Technology and the Industry
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) provides training for professionals and DIYers alike. You can sign up for online courses or attend in-person courses (when available).
Basic Photovoltaics
This 68 page guide covers the basics of PV systems, from electricity and electrical load analysis to the PV system, to understanding utility bills. A good primer for DIYers or new employees.
Government
Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition
Local governments offer unique perspectives on the threats and challenges that climate change poses to our communities. Together, we can remove barriers and advance local climate change solutions in Wisconsin.
Case Studies
See case studies on some of the foundation’s previous grant recipients.