WISCONSIN'S SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM ACHIEVES 1 MEGAWATT.

Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, achieved a combined generation capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) with its 330th co-funded solar electric system. The 330 residential and commercial solar electric systems were installed with the help of Focus on Energy and have a combined value of $9 million dollars. The 330 systems should continue to generate clean solar power through the year 2045.

"The renewable energy industry is booming - In fact, Focus on Energy co-funded installations are growing by 80 percent each year," said Niels Wolter, solar electric program manager for Focus on Energy's Renewable Energy Program. "At this rate we should reach 2 MW in just over one year."

Wolter went on to explain that the growth of renewable energy projects has a parallel effect on Wisconsin's job market, as the number of solar electric installers and site assessors grows too.

The influence of these solar electric systems on Wisconsin's energy landscape is significant as they are expected to generate enough electricity to power 138 average Wisconsin homes a year, that's the equivalent of removing 221 cars from the road. In addition, collectively the systems will offset the burning of 685 tons of coal each year (the equivalent of 2,693 barrels of oil), preventing more than 3 million pounds of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere per year.

"As technology continues to improve and costs come down, a growing number of Wisconsin residents and businesses are going to start turning to renewable energy to reduce their fossil fuel dependence or grow their business," continued Wolter. "Solar power is becoming more common in Wisconsin and we shouldn't be surprised to see it on a home or business near us soon."

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.

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 http://www.focusonenergy.com.