The city of Milwaukee’s solar program, Milwaukee Shines, is teaming up with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) to launch a pilot solar purchase program called the Milwaukee Power Pack.

This unique program supports local manufacturers, builds a customer base for local installers and makes solar more affordable for customers. This system will include solar panels from Milwaukee’s own Helios Solar Works and an inverter from Ingeteam, which opened its manufacturing facility in Milwaukee last year.

“This innovative partnership demonstrates my continued commitment to creating quality jobs while building an environmentally healthy community,” says Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “The program offers quality solar products from Milwaukee companies, installed by local professionals, at a lower cost for our residents: this is one example of how my vision for a sustainable Milwaukee becomes a reality.”

Solar Program Manager for the city of Milwaukee, Amy Heart adds, “It is our hope that by coupling local products with education, marketing and a trained local work force, customers will be able to take advantage of record low costs of solar electric installations in the Milwaukee area.” The program is designed to build on the Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing program, which offers low-interest loans to help finance the remaining cost of a solar installation.

Costs also are being reduced by the lack of shipping or distribution costs. “Local installers can simply pick up the solar panels and inverters on their way to a job site and have no storage or shipping charges,” says Heart. “We have the opportunity to use the benefits of a local response solar industry to lower the bottom line for home and business owners in the Milwaukee area.”

The MREA will provide education and outreach through weekly communitywide Solar Power Hours. Nick Korth, Milwaukee manager for the MREA, says, “Home and business owners can get that reassurance through the Milwaukee Power Pack, which provides quality local products, superior workmanship, and the sense of community with other solar owners.”

This pilot program runs through July 31.

For more information, call 414-431-0758 or visit MilwaukeeShines.com.