Getting Started with Solar - Village of Egg Harbor

Getting Started with Solar - Village of Egg Harbor
Getting Started with Solar
This webpage represents a collection of solar resources for the community. The Village of Egg Harbor has obtained a Department of Energy Silver SolSmart designation. The Village’s goals can be found on the Solar Statement document linked below.
Solar Benefits
Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports about 2,000 jobs and over 166 companies in Wisconsin (SEIA), saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from increasing demand and technological developments, and adds electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.
Ordinance, Permitting, & Process
Solar installation must be in compliance with State Statutes, including §
66.0401
and §
66.0403
. Property owners rights to solar PV energy production within the Village of Egg Harbor are protected by the State of Wisconsin's Statutes §66.0401 and §66.0403.  To learn more visit the following links to the state statutes here: §
66.0401
and §
66.0403
or talk with your solar contractor. Small solar PV projects (10kW or less) have a turnaround time of less than 3 business days.
Residential and commercial solar systems require a building permit and an electrical permit. Electrical permitting and inspection fees for residential systems are $45 and $55 for commercial systems. To apply for both a building permit and electrical permit,
complete the starndardized permit form.
The standardized solar permitting checklist is a required attachment along with the submission of building and electrical permits required by the Village to receive approval to install a solar PV system.
Village of Egg Harbor looks to the Future with Solar Panel Installation at Kress Pavilion - Community’s Green Tier Initiatives and Village Mission Realized with Green Power
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Egg Harbor)—January 15, 2021—This week the Village of Egg Harbor Trustees approved a public bid by Eland Electric of Green Bay to install ground mounted solar panels at the Kress Pavilion, Egg Harbor’s Community Center and Library. The project is the latest project to coincide with the Village’s Green Tier initiatives and takes advantage of Solar for Good and Focus on Energy Grants.
The panels, donated by the Solar for Good Program, are bifacial modules and produce solar power from both sides of the panel. The project is set to be complete the summer of 2021 will convert 20% of the Kress Pavilion’s power to renewable energy and offset 18 tons of CO2 each year.
“I am proud of the Egg Harbor community’s embrace of Green Tier initiatives,” said Village of Egg Harbor Trustee and Green Tier Initiative Leader, Angela Lensch. “Egg Harbor is dedicated to weaving renewable energy into our projects. This supports our goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By utilizing solar for our public building, it will decrease our community’s dependence on fossil-fuel-based electricity, reduce electric bills and support the expansion of community solar. This program can easily be replicated in other municipalities throughout Door County.”
In addition to the panels, the village installed four donated electric car charging stations in 2020.The chargers were donated by Tesla and Egg Harbor resident and electric vehicle owner, Bill Freyman. “It’s the 21st Century and electric vehicles are the future.  The existence of a convenient centrally-located charging station is not only green, but also supports local businesses,” continues Freyman. “Our station, located at the Kress Center, is particularly attractive because electric car owners can take a short stroll to our restaurants and shops and enjoy everything the Village has to offer all while charging their cars.  Reviews of our charging station praise its terrific location.”
About Wisconsin DNR’s Green Tier:
Green Tier
is a voluntary program that recognizes and rewards environmental performance that voluntarily exceeds legal requirements related to health, safety and the environment resulting in continuous improvement in this state's environment, economy, and quality of life. Egg Harbor has been a Green Tier community since 2019.
About Eland Electric:
Eland Electric is a family-owned electrical contractor that has been serving North East Wisconsin since 1958.  We perform electrical construction work across all sectors of the industry and all facets of electrical work, including solar photovoltaics.  All employees are state licensed electricians, and we are also a NABCEP certified solar PV installation contractor.
About Solar for Good:
RENEW Wisconsin’s Solar for Good initiative fosters the expansion of solar power among mission-based nonprofits and houses of worship in Wisconsin.
Through a generous partnership with the
Couillard Solar Foundation
and the
First Unitarian Society of Madison
, RENEW Wisconsin awards grant-funding and solar panels to nonprofit organizations, helping them switch to clean, renewable, solar energy. Solar for Good also offers small grants for engineering reviews and technical assistance to get projects started and see them through to success.
Solar for Good celebrates awarded solar projects and helps nonprofit organizations educate their communities about the benefits of solar power. Solar for Good has already helped over 80 nonprofits save money on their electric bills that they can reinvest in their missions.
SolSmart_Solar_Statement.pdf
Egg_Harbor_Standardized_Solar_Permitting_Checklist-.pdf
Advisory_determination_of_use_-_accessory_uses_-_solar_panels.pdf
Solar Projects in Egg Harbor
The Kress Pavilion will be installing the first solar panels for a public building in Egg Harbor!  Installation is looking to be complete by July 2021.
Pros & Cons
Information sourced from
Solar.com
Pros of Going Solar
Solar is cheaper than ever before
Many module warranties are increasing
the Federal Solar Tax Credit is stepping down in 2021
Solar increases your home's value
Cons of Going Solar
Net metering rollback
Batteries are still expensive
High upfront cost
Solar panels don't move with you
Solar Resources
PV Watts Calculator
: Ground and Roof Analysis App developed by the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Solar Project Builder
– Solar Financial Model Simulator developed by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association with support from the US Department of Energy.
Door County Solar Buy
Calling all home owners and business owners!  Looking to install solar on your residence or building?  There is an opportunity for you! Eland Electric is sponsoring a group buy for Door County.  Here in Egg Harbor, we've made it easier for you to install solar with our SolSmart designation in a one-page application.
To learn more about the group buy, visit
doorcountysolar.com
Types of Solar Panels
Visit
8M Solar
to learn about these types!
Monocrystalline
Polycrystalline
Thin-Film