Built on Cooperation: The Northwind Solar Difference in Central Wisconsin
October is National Co-op Month and Energy Awareness Month!
Thinking about going solar and supporting a business with roots right here in Central Wisconsin? Northwind Solar is different. Here’s what sets us apart from other Wisconsin solar companies: we’re an employee-owned, local solar cooperative, rooted in our community, and committed to quality at every step of your solar journey.
Why We Became a Worker-Owned Solar Cooperative
It’s hard to believe we've been designing and installing solar electric systems across Wisconsin since 2007, and that it's been eight and a half years since we became an employee-owned cooperative.
A Different Kind of Wisconsin Solar Installer
We were founded in 2007, and in that time, we’ve brought megawatts of clean, renewable energy to Central Wisconsin, helping thousands of homes, businesses, local governments, and nonprofits leverage the financial and environmental benefits of solar electricity.
In 2017, after a couple of years of planning, we officially became a worker-owned cooperative, moving away from a traditional LLC to a more inclusive and employee-driven structure that empowers our team to provide the best possible service to our community.
We didn’t just want jobs; we wanted all of our employees to have a stake in our company’s future. Transitioning to an employee-owned co-op has brought an ownership mentality to every single project. You’ll see it in our customer service, design, products, service, and our reputation among Central Wisconsin home and business owners.
What Does This Mean for You?
Our employee-owners live and work in the communities we serve. When you go solar with us, you’re working with local owners who are committed to quality and reliability for years to come.
“For us, being a worker-owned cooperative means our employees are our greatest asset. When we invest and trust in our employees, we help them be successful, and in turn, help Northwind Solar be successful. We live and work here and can provide the service that out-of-state and remote companies simply cannot.”
— Woody Bolton, Design & Sales, Northwind Co-op Board President
What is an Employee-Owned Cooperative?
A cooperative is much more than just a corporate structure. Every employee at Northwind Solar has the opportunity to become an owner, take part in company decisions, and share in our mutual success. This shared ownership brings a special commitment and pride to our work.
Benefits of an Employee-Owned Solar Co-op:
- Pride of ownership and quality craftsmanship in every solar installation
- Personal, local service
- Community-focused decisions that keep dollars working here in Central Wisconsin
Our Cooperative Principles: Powering Community and Clean Energy
- Open & Voluntary Membership: Every team member has a path to ownership.
- Democratic Member Control: Employees have a say in how Northwind runs.
- Economic Participation: Profits are shared among employee-owners.
- Autonomy & Independence: Decisions are made by employee-owners who are involved in the day-to-day operations and committed to the well-being of our cooperative, customers, and the integrity of the service we provide.
- Education & Training: Ongoing education for our team and our customers.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives: We support and learn from other co-ops nationwide.
- Concern for Community: We always put our Central Wisconsin neighbors and customers first.
“We really embody the cooperative approach, not only with how we do business, but each and every system we design and install. That’s why we’re trusted as one of Wisconsin’s solar leaders.”
— Jordan Kaiser, Commercial Design & Sales, Employee-Owner
Our values: self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. These drive our business every day.
What Customers Experience: The Employee-Owned Difference
Choosing Northwind means you’re not just picking a contractor, you’re building a partnership for the long haul:
- Local Ownership: Your solar system is planned and serviced by owner-employees.
- 10-Year Workmanship Warranty: We stand behind every project.
- Community Investment: Every dollar stays in Central Wisconsin.
- Ongoing Support: One call connects you to a local owner ready to assist.
“The face of the company has changed over time. We’ve been blessed with some incredible contributors who are no longer with us. But the amazing people who are here are confidently building Northwind into a stronger company and strengthening our community ties. The values that the company was founded on carry on. I am deeply proud to be a part of this.”
- Josh Stolzenburg, Founder, Director of Sales & Marketing
Watch Josh and Jordan share how Northwind Solar became employee-owned.
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