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Onalaska council unanimously approves partnership in countywide Grow Solar group buy
Summary
The Onalaska Common Council voted unanimously to join Grow Solar La Crosse, a countywide solar group‑buy program that provides education, site assessments and discounted installations at no cost to the city beyond modest staff time.
The Onalaska Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to participate as a municipal partner in Grow Solar La Crosse, a countywide group‑buy program that aims to reduce the cost of residential solar through bulk purchasing and local education.
The council’s action, moved by Alder Mike Milkey and seconded by Alder Larry Jurasic, authorized Onalaska to serve chiefly as a promotional partner — sharing the program in city communications and, at the city’s option, offering a location for an educational event. The motion carried without discussion: “All those in favor…Aye,” Mayor Kim Smith said.
Grow Solar representatives and La Crosse County planner Dylan Constant told the council the program had previously run in the city of La Crosse and is being expanded countywide. Organizers said the program is administered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) with a local installer selected through procurement; the installer selection closed March 14 and the partner installer has already been chosen. County staff and MREA representatives said municipal involvement would be promotional only and that permitting and inspections would continue to be handled by each municipality individually.
Program organizers said the group‑buy includes free educational events (virtual and in‑person) and that pricing discounts can be unlocked as cumulative kilowatt participation increases. They also noted federal tax incentives remain available for homeowners this year that lower installed system costs by roughly 30 percent. City Administrator Rick Niemeyer said, if the council approves, he would serve as the primary city contact and coordinate with the clerk’s office or communications staff on any promotion requests.
The council made no financial commitment; presenters repeatedly said the partnership carries no direct cost to the city beyond a few hours of staff time. Council members asked whether permitting or additional municipal incentives would be required; Dylan Constant said permitting would remain the responsibility of each municipality and that La Crosse County is not offering financial incentives beyond outreach and information.
The vote formalized Onalaska’s role as a promotional partner in the Grow Solar La Crosse program.
