Roof-Mounted Panels
DC System Size
Lbs./Year CO2 Emissions Avoided
Annual kWh Production
Project Inspiration
Superior Fire’s first ever municipal solar system
The city of Superior, WI reached out to Cedar Creek Energy after deciding to make a shift to sustainable energy use. The department had undergone some structural upgrades and already had one all-electric vehicle in its fleet (a Ford Lightning), which opened up the possibility of adding more EV service vehicles and even an all-electric fire truck in the future. The department knew if it was going to take on more electric vehicles, it would need considerable power to do so and wanted to begin preparing its infrastructure to support such growth.
Approach
Why Superior Chose Cedar Creek Energy
After the department did some research on solar developers in their area, they decided to call Cedar Creek Energy. One of our project developers took the time to establish a relationship with the department and discuss their current needs as well as future goals, 10-20 years down the line. Our team invested time in educating the department decision-makers about the various layouts and sizes the department could accommodate within their budget, factoring in the department’s desire to obtain more electric vehicles.
As a municipal project, the department was required to release a request for proposals (RFP), and Cedar Creek Energy was among the submittals. Because of our established relationship with the department and the time we took to explore their needs, in addition to our municipal experience, CCE was chosen for the job.
The Results
Superior’s Fire Department Solar Panel Installation by Cedar Creek Energy
The Superior Fire Department is now the proud owner of a 153.1 kWh DC solar array. The department celebrated its solar addition as well as several rebates and incentives we were able to help them secure, including a 40% elective pay federal tax rebate and an $18,000 rebate through the Focus on Energy incentive. We also continue to work with Superior Water Light and Power to create a discounted charging rate for electric vehicles.
The department’s solar array generates clean, renewable energy that prevents the release of over 267,000 lbs of CO2 each year. That’s the equivalent of carbon sequestered from 145 acres of US forests in one year.
Seeing what solar has helped them achieve, the department plans to switch to an EV truck within the next 3-5 years.
Ribbon Cutting Event
We joined the Fire Department staff and city officials for a celebration and watched Mayor Jim Paine and Chief Camron Vollbrecht flip their system on for the first time! See some photos from the celebration below, and read more about the event in these articles by Northern News Now and WDIO!
Superior Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht and Cedar Creek Energy Project Developer Max Corner talk about the department’s solar array during the opening celebration.
Cedar Creek Energy’s Max Corner (left) and Matt Stupnik (right) with Superior Fire Chief Camron Vollbrecht (center).
The Cedar Creek Energy team takes a ride in the Fire Department’s Ford Lightning – the first all-electric vehicle in the fleet.
Max Corner Talking with Battalion Chief Joe Tribbey in the newly renovated department Headquarters.
