University of Wisconsin - Extension

MADISON, Wis.—A Stevens Point business, Earth Crust Bakery, has added solar panels to those it already had to become fully powered by the sun for its electric needs. The bakery had offset two thirds of its electric use with solar energy since the 1989. By adding the additional photovoltaic (PV) panels, Earth Crust will produce the electricity it needs to run its business and zero out its electric bill with Wisconsin Public Service Co. at a time when most electric customers are facing increasing energy costs and will continue to send checks to the power company.

The bakery rents space in the 100-year old brick Stevens Point Area Coop building. The building has a solar heat wall that improves its energy efficiency by preheating incoming air and reducing the work of the mechanical equipment. Earth Crust has always had a commitment to the environment said Claire Kerbel, one of the partners in the business.

"Businesses and citizens need to be part of the solution to protect our air and health," Kerbel said. "Currently there are state and federal grants and credits to help offset the costs which enabled us to make the financial commitment to be free of coal power".

Earth Crust received a grant from the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program that offset one quarter of the $28,000 cost of the solar-electric system. In addition, the business also will receive a 10 per cent Federal energy investment tax credit of $2,800 with accelerated depreciation on the system that will reduces their taxable income.

Photovoltaic Systems Company professionally installed the panels. They were mounted on the roof and cover 330 square feet. The 3300 watt solar panels will generate an estimated 3,720 kwh per year of electricity. This will offset the energy use of the freezer, refrigerator, mixers, small appliances and lights.

Solar PV panels generate electricity during daylight hours and generate more electricity when the sun is shining more intensely, explains Sherrie Gruder, University of Wisconsin-Extension Sustainable Design Specialist and Energy Program Coordinator. As a result, power from PVs is produced predominately at times when the cost of electricity is high in the summer. "That is of great value to utilities in Wisconsin where we have summer-peaking electricity systems and the plants are stressed to meet energy demands mid-day," Gruder notes.

To learn more about Focus on Energy renewable energy assistance and financial incentives (as well as energy efficiency services) visit http://www.focusonenergy.com/ or call 800-762-7077. Focus on Energy will put you in contact with renewable energy technical experts, installers and suppliers in Wisconsin to help you with your renewable energy decisions.