After 78 years, Kolbe Windows & Doors in Wausau is still embracing change and finding new ways to save energy and operating expenses. A new megawatt solar array is saving energy while cutting costs at Kolbe Windows & Doors, which is a millwork factory and showroom located in the heart of Wausau.

Rooftops everywhere throughout Wisconsin are proving worth and value in a whole new way. They are significant contributors helping in the hard-fought battle against climate change, providing discreet locations for solar arrays, which reduce operational costs and carbon footprints.

The solar array is expected to generate over a third of Kolbe’s annual energy use. This renewable energy infrastructure is not only anticipated to save Kolbe nearly $71,000 in annual electrical costs, but it will also generate nearly 1.3 million kilowatt hours of clean energy (over 30 percent of the business’ annual energy consumption), which is enough energy to power more than 115 homes. 

Progress is nothing new in Wausau or at Kolbe. The new solar array is the latest step in Kolbe’s efforts to not only reduce their impact on the environment, but also their bottom line. The array was partially funded with a $793,400 USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. REAP enables agricultural producers and rural small business owners to expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses and address climate change while lowering energy costs for American families.

The rooftop location of the array helps increase another important priority: Space.

“Installing the array on the roof area works well because it doesn’t really tie up any other resources. It’s really space we weren’t using, and now we are using it to do something good for the environment,” said Kolbe Window and Doors VP of Finance Mike Tomsyck.

USDA Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Lillian Salerno, alongside Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa, recently visited Kolbe to tour the facility and learn more about the project.

“The Rural Energy for America Program helps to ensure that farmers, ranchers and small businesses directly benefit from their efforts to contribute to a clean energy economy,” Salerno said. “Under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, USDA has expanded the reach of this program to partner with more rural small business owners and agricultural producers across the nation to lower energy costs and expand businesses. It’s exciting to hear about the impact that these investments have, directly from a business owner, and see the innovative ways that rural America is growing our economy while saving on their bottom line.”

USDA accepts REAP applications year-round and has set aside a portion of the program funds to support underutilized renewable energy technologies, like wind and geothermal power. For additional information, contact a local energy coordinator.

Visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/wi to learn more about REAP and other programs for your business and how to apply.