Milwaukee Shines: City adds solar to fire stations and trains workforce

Contact:

Amy Heart

MREA Milwaukee Director

414-431-0758

amy@the-mrea.org

Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee’s solar program is bringing solar hot water to two local fire stations, while training the local solar workforce. The City of Milwaukee’s Solar America City program, Milwaukee Shines, organized this one-of-a-kind opportunity through a partnership with Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Caleffi North America and Milwaukee Solar.

Milwaukee’s Fire Station #13, located at 2901 N 30th Street, and Fire Station #23, located at 2130 W Oklahoma Ave, will both receive solar hot water systems this October, as part of training workshops lead by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).

The MREA, a non-profit organization, is a national leader in providing high quality training programs for renewable energy professionals. These install workshops will provide specialized training for individuals who would like to learn how to install solar hot water systems.

Matt Howard, Director of Milwaukee Office of Environmental Sustainability, said this installation is a perfect fit. “Solar hot water on fire stations is an excellent and efficient application of this technology,” said Howard. “The City of Milwaukee is excited to showcase a good use of the technology and off-set some of our energy use as well.”

Amy Heart, MREA’s Milwaukee Director, said this is a unique opportunity to not only save money for the City of Milwaukee, but also provide hands-on training for future solar installers. “By training local installers, we are working to expand the local solar market, reduce costs for consumers, and ensure quality installations that can demonstrate how solar works for Wisconsin,” said Heart. Caleffi North America, headquartered in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley, donated the solar hot water systems for the installation workshops. Dean Wolff of Milwaukee Solar, will serve as the installer and instructor on the project.

Milwaukee was selected as a Solar America City in 2008 by the U.S. Department of Energy. Milwaukee Shines, the city’s solar program, works to increase solar electric and solar hot water installations through education, awareness and financial assistance. For details on the City of Milwaukee’s solar program visit http://www.MilwaukeeShines.com or call 414-286-5593

Pre-registration for the workshops is required, and pre-requisites must be met. To get more information on the MREA fire station install workshops visit http://www.the-mrea.org or call 414-431-0758.

Installation Schedule

Fire Station #13 Solar Hot Water Installation

Monday, October 4 – Thursday, October 7

City of Milwaukee Fire House #13

2901 N 30th Street

Milwaukee, WI 53210

Fire Station #23 Solar Hot Water Installation

Monday, October 25 – Thursday, October 28

City of Milwaukee Fire House #23

2130 W Oklahoma Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53215