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OEI Newsletter December 2025 |
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Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates
- The Wisconsin Home Energy Rebate programs celebrated their one-year anniversary of both the Home Efficiency Rebate Program (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR) in 2025.
- Wisconsin households have received more than $6 million in rebates and incentives for upgrades that improve the efficiency and comfort of their homes and lower their energy bills.
- These rebates are reaching all corners of the state, with projects being completed in 67 of the 72 counties in Wisconsin so far.
- The HOMES and HEAR programs will continue to offer rebates in 2026. Income qualified households may get up to 100% of project costs covered, depending on income and the upgrade desired.
- Currently there are over 200 IRA Registered Contractors available to complete projects across the state, including IRA Registered Contractors that serve the Spanish-speaking community.
- Additionally, there are 100 participating retail store locations across the state that offer the HEAR retail pathway.
- To learn more, to see what may be available for your home, and to find an IRA Registered Contractor or retail store, visit the links below.
2026 Focus on Energy Solar PV Incentive Changes
- Starting next year, Focus on Energy will increase the rebates for solar PV projects. These increases will help Focus provide additional support for Wisconsin homeowners who want to pursue renewable energy, even as federal tax credits for solar installation expire.
- The rebate for residential customers will increase from $300 per system to $600 per kW up to a maximum of $2,400.
- The non-residential solar PV incentive will be $600 per kW up to $2,400, then $50 per kW thereafter up to a maximum of $25,000.
- The change will take effect on qualified projects installed and operating on January 1, 2026, or later.
- Details and more information will be available on the Focus on Energy Renewables page when the changes go live.
- To learn more about Focus on Energy and Renewables, visit the link below.
Energy News and Research
OEI Launches Microgrid Technical Assistance Page
- The Office of Energy Innovation recently launched its Microgrid technical assistance page to support stakeholders looking to learn more about microgrids.
- The website provides an overview of microgrid fundamentals, the benefits they offer, the various types of microgrids, and examples of microgrid projects in Wisconsin, including several supported by OEI grant programs.
- To visit the page and learn about microgrids, visit the link below.
UW-Madison Spinoff, Alithic, Makes Environmentally Friendly Cement
- The Wisconsin Energy Institute recently highlighted a UW-Madison spinoff, Alithic, who is working to create a durable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly cement based on the research and discoveries of UW-Madison professors Bu Wang and Rob Anex, both co-founders of Alithic.
- The process works to lock away carbon dioxide in cement by combining coal ash and excess carbon dioxide to produce a key ingredient in concrete. Work on the process is underway at a new demonstration plant in Madison.
- To learn more about this process, visit the link below.
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