Grow Solar - A Midwest Partnership to Move Markets

A major part of the promotion of expansion and acceptance of renewable energy sources is the growth of profitable markets in the sector. A network of groups, both public and private, has been established with the aim of achieving this goal. Grow Solar () was initially founded in 2012 to reduce permit costs and provide financing for photovoltaic systems in Wisconsin, and has since expanded and is connected a network of partners from surrounding states. Grow Solar's focus has expanded to include helping to shape new permitting and zoning regulations more favorable to PV systems, building a workforce skilled in working with PV solar systems and working to build and improve standards and rules governing the solar industry. The regional network is working towards increased uniformity in regulations across the Midwest. Grow Solar is managed by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and so is based in rural Custer, Wisconsin, as well as having an office in Milwaukee. The MREA () manages many smaller initiatives in the region. Initial funding was provided by the Department of Energy's Sunshot program, a major initiative to promote and explore solar energy.

 Implementation of renewable energy sources can be made significantly more difficult and expensive by restrictive or complex zoning and permitting regulations and fees. The Grow Solar Toolkit is a resource provided to communities seeking to expand PV use, collecting information about zoning, permitting, and planning rules in place for local governments. This service helps speed and ease new green energy projects, focused on rooftop photovoltaic systems, by ensuring the sometimes arcane regulatory structure does not provide unexpected speed bumps. Similarly, Grow Solar provides technical aid with permitting and other regulations, as well as grid connection and metering, and the building of training programs. The aim is to ensure the future growth of PV solar and related industries.

The emerging renewable industry needs sufficient well-trained staff to establish itself as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. The MREA has substantial accredited training programs for PV, thermal solar, and small scale wind projects. The need for training and professional certification goes past simple installation and maintenance. Sites must be assessed for suitability and projects must be designed based on individual needs. Training is also available in working with regulations, zoning restrictions, and so on. Grow Solar and the MREA together also run training programs to teach updated standards and constantly changing regulatory issues to already trained contractors, salespeople, homeowners, renewable energy advocates, and so on. It is key that the workforce remain up to date with the ever-shifting technology and regulatory structure.

Grow Solar fills a necessary role in establishing the burgeoning green energy industry. They help to coordinate individual and city level projects with institutions at the state and greater Midwestern regional level, such as their parent organization, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. The MREA, in turn, connects to larger groups such as the federal government and international organizations. These smaller projects are far more likely to be successful with this networked approach, with increased funding assistance and sharing of information, while allowing larger groups to have a more efficient structure of more grassroots-style groups and individuals doing the work on the ground.