ICYMI: Senator Baldwin joins Solar Forma and Climate Power to Unveil Solar Tree in Eau Claire

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – Yesterday U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined Climate Power and Eau Claire-based Solar Forma to celebrate the installation of an E-Cacia Solar Tree in Eau Claire’s Boyd Park. They highlighted how recent federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will drive down energy costs for consumers and make renewable energy more accessible, which will have big benefits for Wisconsin’s clean energy  businesses. 

Read more:
WEAU: Eau Claire based company installs the city’s first ever solar tree
WQOW: Boyd Park in Eau Claire home to new ‘E-Cacia’ tree
Volume One: E.C. Business Plants Innovative Solar ‘Tree’ in Boyd Park
Eau Claire Leader-Telegram: Solar Forma’s first E-Cacia solar tree planted in Boyd Park 

The IRA includes federal tax credits for individuals that will cover 30 percent of the costs to install solar panels and battery storage systems. An estimated 90,000 additional Wisconsin households will install rooftop panels as a result, spurring growth for businesses like Solar Forma and creating jobs across the Chippewa Valley region. Wisconsin already had over 71,000 clean energy jobs at the end of 2021 and this sector is rapidly growing.

“Solar Forma Design’s installation here in Eau Claire represents a community coming together to support local businesses that are creating clean energy solutions,” Senator Baldwin said. “By investing in solar, we are supporting our Made in Wisconsin economy, growing our clean energy workforce, cutting carbon emissions and moving toward energy independence. I am proud to partner with Wisconsin companies like Solar Forma Design as we work to make solar energy more accessible.”

“We’re changing solar—for good,” said Brian Graff, co-founder of Solar Forma Design. “E-Cacia trees change the conversation about the adoption of solar energy in communities. They also make a bold statement about support for green- and clean-energy alternatives. We appreciate the City of Eau Claire’s support of our company and making a statement with the purchase and installation of this E-Cacia tree.”

“The new solar tree in Eau Claire is a great example of the type of innovation that will be turbocharged by the clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Meghan Schneider, Associate Director of State Communications at Climate Power. “Expanding solar and other sources of clean energy in Wisconsin will ensure cleaner air and water, enabling residents to enjoy time outdoors without jeopardizing their health, while creating good-paying jobs in the state and cutting costs.”