Demonstration Projects

Multiple Projects

Jan O'Donnel
Spooner, WI
Date of award: 8/1/2002
Award amount: $11,250
The home site/farm at Spirit Ridge will demonstrate systems (solar hot water, solar electric and wood heat) and methods to incorporate sustainable practices and off-grid alternative energy options into the operation of a rural homestead and farm/forestry operation. The project will document the development of those systems, and disseminate information to others in targeted groups in the area

JDI Enterprises, Inc./Inn Serendipity
John Ivanko & Lisa Kivirist
Browntown, WI
Date of award: 4/7/03
Award amount: $2,000
This demonstration grant funded the production of materials that will help inform the public about how a diversity of renewable energy systems operate at a combined farmstead, home-based business and primary residence. Funding covers research, development and printing of educational materials to be featured in a 20-page self-guided tour booklet with detailed information on the systems in use. Information will also be excerpted for display materials to accompany each system on the tour and for use on the Inn Serendipity website.
Inn Serendipity Demo Grant Final Report

Lamar Community Center
Kathleen Melin
Saint Croix Falls, WI
Date of Award: 5/8/2003
Award Amount: $2,938
Lamar is a non-profit 501 © 3 with a mission to restore and renovate Lamar School in keeping with its historic character to build and sustain our community. During and following the installation of a solar high mass heating system, they will focus on educating the public on this particular installation and the benefits of renewable energy in general. Through eight tasks, they hope to involve schools, trade associations, civic groups and the community at large.

Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
Tom Mellon
Jackson, WI
Date of award: 7/25/03
Award amount: $10,000
In 2001, a wetland wastewater treatment system was constructed for the high school. In March of 2003, Toyota Motor Sales USA provided a grant of $9,700 to use alternative energy sources to enhance the removal of nitrogen compounds from the wetland water. "The Green Machine," as the system is being dubbed, will need additional funds for development. A wind machine with a compressor will aerate the subsurface wetland, so as to enhance the action of aerobic bacteria. In addition, photovoltaic applications will be used: (1) to power a re-circulation pump, for additional treatment; and (2) to charge batteries for backup and power demands.

The high school will incorporate "The Green Machine" as a sub unit in the curriculum, while elementary students will be exposed to The Green Machine with shorter visits in Youth Camps and Field experiences. It will also be open to the general public.

Solar Electric Projects

Madison Christian Community
Jeff Wilde
Madison, WI
Date of award: 8/1/2002
Award amount: $15,000
This grant application requests support to install a photovoltaic energy system at Madison Christian Community. This request for a Demonstration Grant of $15,000.00 to install a photovoltaic unit will be one more component of Madison Christian Community's desire to preserve the environment and become a lead church in this effort.

WPS Community Foundation,Inc.
Chip Bircher
Green Bay, WI
Date of award: 01/24/03
Award amount: $15,000
SolarWise for Schools is a renewable energy education program for public and private high schools located in northeastern and north central Wisconsin that receive retail electricity from Wisconsin Public Service Corp. Under this program, small solar-electric systems are installed on schools and a variety of demonstration activities and events are conducted. One of the activitities included in this plan is the 2003 Solar Olympics, a one-day renewable energy competition featuring ten different events with a solar theme.

Nature's Classroom Institute
Geoffrey Bishop
Mukwonago, WI
Date of award: 2/27/2003
Award amount: $6,500
Students and teachers will learn how a photovoltaic system works while having the opportunity to work with a PV kit and understand the real applications of an on-grid PV system.

Wausau & Marathon County Parks
Peter Knotek
Milladore, WI
Date of award: 11/29/2002
Award amount: $11,000
Wausau & Marathon County Parks received this grant to install a photovoltaic pathway lighting system on the River Edge Parkway in Wausau, Wisconsin, and use this lighting system to educate professionals, students, and the general public about renewable energy and its environmental impacts.

Wind Projects

Evansville Community School District
Gary Albrecht
Evansville, WI
Date of award: 10/21/02
Award amount: $15,000
Evansville has recieved this grant to install a small demonstration wind turbine, a wind monitoring station and data logging equipment that can store and analyze a full year of data. The turbine will be installed on a tilt-up tower for easy access by educators.

Friends of Mead McMillan, Inc.
Milladore, WI
Date of award: 5/31/2003
Award amount: $10,750
The Friends of Mead McMillan received this grant to provide a formal and permanent installation of fixed interpretive display panels, a teacher curriculum and related literature and activities for the Mead Wildlife Area DNR headquarters.