Community foundation goes solar with support from local partners

December 29, 2025

STURGEON BAY – The Door County Community Foundation has installed a new solar array at its offices, made possible through community partnerships and local expertise.

Jeff Lutsey, executive director of the Climate Change Coalition, said the coalition guided the foundation through the purchase and installation process.

“I’m inspired to see the foundation go solar,” he said. “Solar power reduces emissions, lowers energy costs and frees more of the foundation’s resources for its core mission of inspiring philanthropy and community good.”

The project, per the release, was funded in part by generous supporters, including former board member Sharon Lutsey.

Jeff Lutsey said the foundation’s 15-kilowatt system is part of a county-wide effort that includes 44 households, businesses and nonprofits, collectively installing 443 kW of new solar capacity. 

The environmental impact, he said, is equivalent to preventing the burning of 100 tons of coal and avoiding 180 tons of CO₂ emissions annually – comparable to planting 30,000 trees over 30 years.

The group-buy program, Lutsey said, was launched by the Climate Change Coalition in partnership with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, with Eland Electric Corporation of Green Bay selected as the installer.

By pooling purchasing power, he said the initiative makes solar more affordable for residents, businesses and nonprofits alike.