Milwaukee mayor will accept $400,000 grant at solar conference

From a media release issued by Milwaukee Shines:

On Thursday, October 23rd, Milwaukee will host the fourth annual Solar Decade Conference at the Midwest Airlines Center, expected to draw 400 people. Sponsored by We Energies, Focus on Energy and the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance, the conference will focus on reducing the informational, economic and procedural barriers to solar energy proliferation in the region.

“The benefits of solar energy are great,” said Mayor Tom Barrett, “Not only does solar energy provide power from a secure domestic source, promote sustainable urban development, and support greenhouse gas reduction targets, but advancing solar technology creates new economic opportunities for our residents and businesses.”

Also during the conference, Mayor Tom Barrett will accept a grant of $200,000 from Tom Kimbis, Director of Market Transformation for the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Program. Earlier this year, the City of Milwaukee was named one of America’s 25 Solar Cities by the Department of Energy because of its commitment to solar technology adoption. This grant was awarded at that time.

Roman Draba, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Policy at We Energies will present a matching grant also in the amount of $200,000.

The awards are intended to accelerate solar adoption in cities by supporting their innovative efforts with financial and technical assistance. Selected cities are those prepared to make a comprehensive, city-wide approach to solar technology that facilitates its mainstream adoption.

The Solar Decade Conference, open to the public, will feature "renowned industry experts as they discuss the benefits of solar energy for your home, business and career!"