Milwaukee's Urban Ecology Center Installs State's Largest Solar Renewable Energy System

Center holds dedication ceremony to recognize the renewable energy system's environmental importance

MILWAUKEE (February 12, 2007) - The Urban Ecology Center, a neighborhood based non-profit community center located in Milwaukee's historic Riverside Park, recently completed the installation of a 44.4 kilowatt (kW) grid-connected solar electric system. The completion of Wisconsin's largest solar electric system is due in part to technical assistance and a $64,428 Cash-Back Reward from Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative. The center held a dedication ceremony on Saturday, February 10, 2007 to announce the completion and activation of the system, as well as to celebrate its endeavor toward energy independence.


Public Service Commission Chairman Daniel Ebert was on hand to lend support to the Urban Ecology Center's initiative to help keep Wisconsin's air and water clean for future generations, while at the same time contributing to the state's economic growth through the use of renewable energy technologies.

"The Urban Ecology Center's solar electric system is a wonderful example of how to meet Governor Doyle's goal of increasing Wisconsin's energy independence," said Public Service Commission Chairperson Dan Ebert. "Not only will this system contribute to our state's goal of producing ten percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2010, it will reduce emissions released into our environment through traditional energy production."

The Urban Ecology Center began its renewable energy journey in 2004 when H&H Solar Energy Services installed an eight kW solar electric system on its roof. The installation of this initial solar electric system was made possible with a $14,444 Cash-Back Reward from Focus on Energy. With the addition of the 44.4 kW system, installed by Kyocera, the 256 solar panels are expected to generate 55,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year - enough to prevent more than 53 tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year. In addition, the system is expected to meet 40 percent of the Urban Ecology Center's electrical needs.

By supporting Wisconsin's renewable energy marketplace, Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program has made the sun, wind and organic materials a bigger part of Wisconsin's energy mix and has helped ensure Wisconsin's residents and businesses have reliable and affordable sources of energy.

Focus on Energy offers technical and financial assistance for individuals and businesses located in areas served by electric utilities participating in the Focus on Energy Program. To learn more about Focus on Energy and its Renewable Energy Program, or to find out if you qualify for financial incentives, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

About the Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program seeks to raise awareness, provide training and financing, enhance marketing, promote technical assistance and support the installation of renewable energy technologies across Wisconsin. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

About Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not get completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

# # #

Featured Product

S-5!® PVKIT™ 2.0 Solar Rooftop Solutions

S-5!® PVKIT™ 2.0 Solar Rooftop Solutions

The concept of combining PV arrays with standing seam metal roofing is growing-for good reasons. Metal roofs have a life expectancy of more than 40 years. Shouldn't the mounting system last as long? With S-5! zero-penetration attachment technology and PVKIT 2.0, the solarized metal roof is the most sustainable system available -and without compromising roof warranties! PVKIT 2.0 is the also the best solution for attaching PV modules directly to any exposed fastener metal roof.