Answers By: Bill Schutten
Scroll UpWhat is Focus on Energy?- Karen, Bayview, WI
We are Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy program.
Click to read the full answerWho is in charge of Focus on Energy?- Lindsay, Madison, WI
The Public Service Commission oversees Focus on Energy.
Click to read the full answerHow is Focus on Energy funded?- Nate, Whitefish Bay, WI
Mostly from Wisconsin public utility customers.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the purpose of Focus on Energy?- Jenny, Denmark, WI
Focus on Energy wants to help people manage rising energy costs and more.
Click to read the full answerI’m a vendor of energy efficient products, why should I promote Focus on Energy?- David, Sheboygan, WI
There are many reasons why you would want to partner with Focus on Energy.
Click to read the full answerWhy does Focus offer incentives on some equipment and not others?- Brian, Kenosha, WI
The market doesn't always allow for incentives.
Click to read the full answerDo you have any no-cost tips to save energy?- Jeremy, Grafton, WI
We have a ton of no cost, energy saving tips!
Click to read the full answerWhat are the advantages of using renewable energy?- Keegan, Ripon, WI
There are many benefits to using renewable energy.
Click to read the full answerIf I install a renewable energy system, can I sell energy back to the utility company?- Arnie, Lodi, WI
That might be an option.
Click to read the full answerWhy don't you offer anything for biomass combustion for residential customers?- Evan, Iola, WI
The market does not always allow for an incentive. But, there are federal tax credits!
Click to read the full answerWith energy costs so high, is a solar hot water system a cost-effective option?- Erin, Eau Claire, WI
This depends on the type of water heater you have in your home.
Click to read the full answerCould you use a small wind generator to pre-heat water for a residential hot water system?- Michael, Algoma, WI
There is no technical reason not to, but it may waste electrical generation.
Click to read the full answerHow will "Cap and Trade," effect energy costs in WI, and throughout the country?- Michael , Port Washington, WI
"Cap and Trade" may have the effect of increasing costs
Click to read the full answerWhere can I get training to become a solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) installer?- John, Chetek, WI
Focus on Energy offers training.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the annual budget and the energy savings goals for the Focus program in 2009?- ken, howard,WI
Focus on Energy’s budget comes from utility revenues
Click to read the full answerWhere can I find a information on vendors who sell solar hot water heaters?- Abby , Edgerton, WI
Check out the Focus Solar Hot Water Full Service Installer List.
Click to read the full answerHow do I know if my utility participates in Focus on Energy?- Abby , Edgerton, WI
It's easy, just use our Web tool!
Click to read the full answerIs a site assessment a requirement for a Focus on Energy rebate?- Gloria, Ferryville, WI
Assessments by one of our partners or advisors is recommended.
Click to read the full answerWhere can I find the life cycle energy analysis for renewable energy products on the market today?- Marti , River Falls, WI
A calculated lifecycle energy cost is essentially a moving target.
Click to read the full answerWhen using net metering can I feed electricity into the grid still get the net metering return?- Peter , Somerset, WI
Your electric provider can provide you with specific details.
Click to read the full answerWhat percentage of WI could be powered by wind with the current set up?- Timothy , Stevens Point, WI
90% of WI’s renewable electricity standard may come from wind
Click to read the full answerWhy don't utilities install photovoltaics to reduce power plant and transmission line needs?- Jeff , West Bend, WI
This is the trend in other parts of the US, but not in Wisconsin.
Click to read the full answerI am planning to build home on my 5 acres; can I install a wind turbine to produce my own electricity?- Michael , Milwaukee, WI
Wind turbines work in Wisconsin; not all locations are suitable.
Click to read the full answerWhat are the current energy problems Wisconsin has?- Brian, Wauwatosa, WI
There are a lot of opinions on energy problems.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the best roofing to put in prior to installing solar cells?- Steve , Stratford, WI
A long-lived roof to accommodate racking without holes in the roof.
Click to read the full answerCan I install solar panels on my family farm and sell it to the utility; beginning a solar farm?- Cindy , Black Creek, WI
You can find a solar installer on our Full Service Installer list
Click to read the full answerIs non-renewable energy used in Wisconsin?- Amanda , Greendale, WI
The majority of energy consumed in WI is from “non-renewable” sources.
Click to read the full answerDo you have a listing of all the renewable energy systems in the state?- David , Wauwatosa, WI
Visit focusonenergy.com/renewablemaps
Click to read the full answerI filled out a Focus application but haven't heard anything. Do you know where my check is?- Sara, Cross Plains, WI
Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for delivery of Reward checks.
Click to read the full answerIf I use $1 less in energy how does this effect my local economy?- Jim , Viroqua, WI
Every dollar saved benefits the economy.
Click to read the full answerI saw on tv that we can pay to get some of our energy from wind or solar. How does this work?- Lynette , Madison, WI
"Green power" is funded through higher electric rates on your bill.
Click to read the full answerAre there incentives for solar heating an in-ground pool?- Jon , Oregon, WI
No, but it is one of the most cost-effective solar options
Click to read the full answerHow does net metering work?- Jennifer, Sun Prairie, WI
Your electric provider can provide you with specific details.
Click to read the full answerWhere are the tools to equate energy use reduction with reduction in greenhouse gases?- Mike , Manitowoc, WI
There are many sites on the internet that can help you.
Click to read the full answerHow many customers in Wisconsin receive energy from wind turbines?- Becky, Hartford, WI
The number is growing each year!
Click to read the full answerHow does green pricing through my utility work?- John, Sun Prairie, WI
“Green power" is funded through higher electric rates on your bill.
Click to read the full answerI'm interested in the Act 141 incentives available through Focus on Energy.- Yvonne , Burlington, WI
Focus offers incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Click to read the full answerWould a solar co-operative qualify for Focus and federal tax subsides?- Eric, Madison, WI
Maybe! You’ll need to do a little research.
Click to read the full answerAre there incentives for solar air heating?- Jim , Menomonee Falls, WI
No, but it is a cost-effective solar option.
Click to read the full answerIs there any chance these type of Rebates will make their way to Michigan?- Tim , Grand Rapids, MI
Check with your local utility to find out what’s available.
Click to read the full answerDo you have any financing suggestions for a business solar system?- Tom , Plover, WI
There are many incentives to use as leverage with financers.
Click to read the full answerWhat incentives are there for appliances, furnace/air-conditioning, lighting, or windows?- Tom , Racine, WI
Depending on the product purchased, incentives may be available.
Click to read the full answerDoes Minnestoa have a website like focusonenergy.com? This is an excellent site.- Tim , Winona, MN
There are a number of Web sites that offer information.
Click to read the full answerWho do we contact for an estimate on a windmill?- Bonnie , Columbus, WI
Check out the Focus Wind Full Service Installer List
Click to read the full answerI would like to install solar and/or wind power. How big do I need to go? How much will it cost?- Tom , Whitewater,WI
Check out the Focus Wind Full Service Installer List.
Click to read the full answerI am looking to install solar PV and hot water systems. What happens if we sell the property?- Kirk , Sun Prairie, WI
There are no penalties if the system remains in place.
Click to read the full answerWhat kind of incentives is Wisconsin offering for windspires?- Mary Alice , Larsen, WI
Focus doesn’t offer incentives for vertical axis wind turbines.
Click to read the full answerHow do laws apply to renewable energy projects on condos?- Charles, New Berlin, WI
The law protects your right to install renewable energy systems.
Click to read the full answerHow do I calculate how many wind turbine, solar panels and batteries I need?- Tony , Edmundston, New-Brunswick
Get a site assessment!
Click to read the full answerI am looking for grants for wind and solar for my house. Can you point me in the right direction?- Heidi , Wild Rose, WI
Visit Focus on Energy’s financial incentives webpage!
Click to read the full answerWhat can you tell me about the Skystream wind turbine?- Mike , Reedsburg,WI
The Skystream 3.7 is eligible for Focus incentives.
Click to read the full answerHow do you apply for energy rebates?- Jason, Germantown, WI
Just follow the directions on the form.
Click to read the full answerIs it safe to live next to a power line?- Bill, Wauwatosa, WI
Current research shows no link to adverse health effects.
Click to read the full answerWhat type of renewable energy combination could I use to run totally off the electrical grid?- Adam, Hatley, WI
That’s a lot of work – but can be stimulating and rewarding!
Click to read the full answerI'd like to get heat my hot tub with solar energy. How do I get started?- Dana , Milwaukee, WI
A solar water heating system can really help!
Click to read the full answerHow difficult would it be to install a wind generator to my house?- Pete, Brule, WI
This is dependent on the suitability of the installation site.
Click to read the full answerHow do I build an energy efficient home and take advantage of solar power?- Josh, Chili, WI
Build efficient first, then go solar or solar-ready!
Click to read the full answerWhat assistance do you have for installing a solar powered system to a remote pond?- Barry , Lake Geneva, WI
Solar powered aeration pumps could be a great fit for you.
Click to read the full answerHow much does a solar system for heating a home cost?- Bill, Kaukauna, WI
Contact an installer!
Click to read the full answerAre there any government-funded programs for residential wind use?- Edna , Weyauwega, WI
Focus on Energy and the federal government have incentives!
Click to read the full answerWhere do I find info for roof top wind turbines in Wisconsin?- Jean , Adell, WI
Download the FAQ fact sheet: Small rooftop wind turbines.
Click to read the full answerCan I use solar panels to power my hot tub heater?- Lacey , Milwaukee, WI
Try a solar water heating system!
Click to read the full answerHow much energy in Wisconsin could be saved through energy efficiency?- Kevin , Appleton, WI
There is a lot of potential for energy efficiency in Wisconsin.
Click to read the full answerHow can I determine if my home has sufficient wind to invest in a vertical windmill?- Jim , North Lake, WI
Contact a site assessor.
Click to read the full answerHow much energy can I expect to produce with photovoltalics?- RH, Jefferson, WI
Up to 10,800 kWh/yr and up to 25% of the project’s cost.
Click to read the full answerCan a DC inverter be plugged into a AC outlet?- Ken , Winona, MN
DC vs. AC and the inverter...Read on!
Click to read the full answerWhat is the cost of installing solar panels on a duplex?- Jim , West Allis, WI
Contact a site assessor and/or Full Service Installer.
Click to read the full answerWhat are the payback times for renewable energy systems on a new home?- Robert , Madison, WI
Defining the value of a renewable energy system is a personal decision.
Click to read the full answerHow do Wisconsin utilities approach cogeneration and CHP technologies?- Scott , Milwaukee, WI
That’s a little complicated!
Click to read the full answerDoes pyrolysis have the same thermal energy as incineration?- Paul , Richfield, WI
This gets technical, read on.
Click to read the full answerIs improving the electrical distribution system more cost effective than investing in alternative energy & efficient products?- Kelly, Eau Claire, WI
This is a complex question to answer.
Click to read the full answerHow much is it to install a solar electric system? I'm on a fixed income.- Patricia , Cuba City, WI
Consider energy efficiency first!
Click to read the full answerWhere can I find a Sunworks solar collector?- Ed , Middleton, WI
You can contact installers in your area.
Click to read the full answerCan you direct me to some sites that I can use for our newsletter?- Curt, Cudahy, WI
There are a number of resources on the Web.
Click to read the full answerIs an air permit required with the installation of an anaerobic digester?- Mandy, Madison, WI
The DNR creates and enforces these regulations.
Click to read the full answerCan you tell me a little more about biomass energy?- Valerie, River Falls, WI
You can visit the Focus on Energy Information Center.
Click to read the full answerHow many kW hours of electricity are produced by a 3kW solar system?- Peter , Madison, WI
About 3,600 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Click to read the full answerWhat are the requirements to connect to the grid with wind turbines?- Brad, Green Bay, WI
It's best to work with your local utility early in the process.
Click to read the full answerHow can we heat an enclosed breezeway with solar energy?- Amy , Menomonie, WI
A simple air collector system might work for this application.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the fuel cost difference between natural gas and LP gas?- Paul , Franksville, WI
Giving an answer is hard due to the flux of propane costs.
Click to read the full answerWhy doesn't my utility company participate in Focus on Energy?- Jay, South Range, WI
The majority of Wisconsin utilities participate in Focus.
Click to read the full answerCan outdoor solar lights be used in city parks?- Don , De Pere, WI
Solar-powered lighting can be a great option for public parks.
Click to read the full answerHow do I become a solar installer in Wisconsin?- Steve , Bristol, WI
Visit our Become a Full Service Installer page!
Click to read the full answerDoes Focus offer Rewards for the installation of energy-efficient window blinds?- Vern , Menomonie, WI
The manufacturer might.
Click to read the full answerHow long does it take to get your Focus on Energy rebate back?- Kay, Eau Claire, WI
Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for delivery of Reward checks.
Click to read the full answerWe would like to learn about solar energy for our 16-unit condo building.- John, Madison, WI
Great idea! Multi-family properties are terrific candidates for solar thermal systems.
Click to read the full answerDoes anyone make producer gas from wood to produce electricity?- Pete , Baldwin WI
At present, we’re not aware of anyone who is using wood gasification in this way.
Click to read the full answerAre there any financial assistance plans to install solar and wind systems?- Kim, St. Croix Falls, WI
Financial incentives are available but aren’t income-based.
Click to read the full answerHow are utility rates determined?- Dolly, Madison, WI
Visit the Public Service Commission for more info.
Click to read the full answerIf I am using less energy, how come utility rates are not coming down?- Patsy, Madison, WI
Visit the Public Service Commission for more info
Click to read the full answerWhat laws govern connecting to the grid?- Gary , Rice Lake, WI
You can find the rules for interconnecting on the PSC’s Web site.
Click to read the full answerDoes the electric company have to pay me the "Energy Charge Power Cost Adjustment" rate?- Gene, Knapp, WI
The PSC regulates these charges.
Click to read the full answerHow do I become a Focus on Energy certified installer?- John , Necedah, WI
Visit our Become a Full Service Installer page!
Click to read the full answerDoes Focus on Energy recognize ETA certification, or just NABCEP?- Ted , Ashland, WI
Focus is interested in core competencies based on a documented task analysis and testing.
Click to read the full answerDo you have facts on energy use by county in Wisconsin?- Diana, Fond du Lac, WI
Not by county, but there is some info by utility.
Click to read the full answerWhat company or persons can I contact concerning the purchase of wind energy?- Dale, Adams, WI
Check to see if your utility offers a green power rate.
Click to read the full answerIs there any company that will clean my old solar heating system?- Bernie , Marshall, WI
Contact a Full-Service Installer in your area!
Click to read the full answerHow do we assess our property for geothermal and PV?- Myron , Randolph, WI
Yes! Read on for more information.
Click to read the full answerCan you recommend resources for biodiesel?- Marc , Green Bay, WI
Try these resources!
Click to read the full answerWhat does it cost to produce 100 kWh of electricity?- Donald, Oshkosh, WI
Read on to learn more
Click to read the full answerCan the non-profit I'm associated with receive free CFLs to hand out at one of our events?- Chris, Racine, WI
Work with a local retailer.
Click to read the full answerMy business is searching for users of dry wood as a source of heat.- John , Milwaukee, WI
Visit the Focus Web site to view resources tto help your business.
Click to read the full answerHow can I become an energy auditor?- Darcy, Menomonee Falls, WI
Find the answer to this question on this link.
Click to read the full answerAre there laws that restrict a neighbor from planting a tree to block your PV system?- Rik , Madison, WI
There are some provisions in Wisconsin law. Read on.
Click to read the full answerShould I design a solar hot water system for a school kitchen like I would a restaurant?- Dave , Richmond, VA
Visit the Retscreen Web site.
Click to read the full answerWhat is the process for evaluating whether or not it makes sense for a manufacturing plant to install wind or solar energy?- Mike, Madison, WI
It is important to maximize the energy efficiency of your business before you purchase any renewable energy system.
Click to read the full answerDoes Focus on Energy have a power calculator for consumers to use?- Karla, Arcadia, WI
You can check out a watt meter at a library near you.
Click to read the full answerWhy does my bill change considerably when my usage habits are frugal?- Peter, Coloma, WI
Visit the Public Service Commission for more information.
Click to read the full answerHow will electric vehicles effect load demand for utilities?- Michael , Portland, OR
A research report will be posted soon!
Click to read the full answerWill a solar farm pay for itself in 10 years?- Tod , Tomahawk, WI
It’s possible . It depends on three variables.
Click to read the full answerHow should I prepare my new metal roof for future solar panels?- Greg , Madison, WI
The most popular attachment method uses clamps.
Click to read the full answerWhat are the current incentives available for churches to install a PV System?- John, Fond du Lac, WI
Focus has some, read on!
Click to read the full answerI want to install Solar Panels, but I am lost on where to start.- Mike, Sturtevant, WI
Let us help you out!
Click to read the full answerApproximately how much does a residential 12 kw wind turbine cost?- Alfred "Roc" , Monticello, WI
Focus highly suggests having a site assessment done first.
Click to read the full answerHow long has the Focus on Energy program been in existence?- Daniel , Burlington, WI
The Legislature created Focus in 1999.
Click to read the full answerDoes the Public Service Commission require utilities to meet certain energy efficiency criteria?- Michael, Madison, WI
Yes, WI utilities do.
Click to read the full answerWhat is Wisconsin's wind energy potential?- Katie, Stevens Point, WI
90% of WI’s renewable electricity standard may come from wind.
Click to read the full answerIs fuel switching an energy-efficient option?- Debbie , Reading, PA
Yes, this is allowed.
Click to read the full answerAre there any loan/grant programs to help install solar?- Sandy, Algoma, WI
Programs are available to help install solar projects.
Click to read the full answerAre there grants to help start a business based on renewable energy sources?- Scott, Waukesha, WI
There are state and federal resources that may be of interest to you.
Click to read the full answerAre there incentives for installing electric vehicle charging stations?- John , Madison, WI
Here are the incentives available from Focus.
Click to read the full answerHow long after you receive my cash-back application will I receive the payment?- Paul , Sturgeon Bay, WI
Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for delivery of Reward checks.
Click to read the full answerWhat can be done to implement renewable energy projects on a farm?- Caarol, Crivitz, WI
There are many renewable energy technologies to consider.
Click to read the full answerDo you have information on installed solar electric system costs?- John, Washburn, WI
Focus does have pricing information available online.
Click to read the full answer