How Five Stevens Point Firefighters Sparked a Solar Ripple
At Northwind Solar, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful a referral can be. When past customers share their story, what the process was like, how their system performs, and why they chose solar, it helps others feel confident taking the next step.
Over time, a close-knit group of retired firefighters turned decades of firehouse camaraderie into something bigger: a five-home solar ripple. Through trusted conversations, real-life experience, and shared values, one solar installation helped “spark” the next.
Victor Kedrowski, Doug Christianson, Dennis Kitowski, Todd Becken, and Dennis Flanigan each chose to go solar with Northwind, and helped others feel confident doing the same through the kind of recommendation that only comes from people you truly trust.
The Firefighter Solar Circle
In a firehouse, trust is everything. And that trust doesn’t go away after retirement. In this group, solar didn’t spread because of sales pitches; it spread because firefighters were honest with each other about what worked, what the experience was like, and whether it made sense financially.
Victor (solar in 2017), Doug (solar in 2020), and Dennis Kitowski (solar in 2020) were early proof points. Their systems and their firsthand experience helped make solar feel real and doable for the next households in the ripple.
By the time Todd and Kim Becken started seriously looking,
three firefighters in their circle had already proven solar worked locally.
Victor Kedrowski Goes Solar
Doug Christianson Goes Solar
Dennis Kitowski Goes Solar
Todd Becken Goes Solar
Dennis Flanigan Goes Solar
How the Ripple Grew: Trusted Conversations, Real Proof
Todd served as a firefighter in Central Wisconsin alongside Victor Kedrowski, Doug Christianson, Dennis Kitowski, and Dennis Flanigan. Even after retirement, the conversations that started at the firehouse continued about family, home projects, and increasingly, solar.
And when solar came up, the conversations were specific and practical:
- What was the process like?
- Did the system perform the way they expected?
- Did it actually make financial sense?
- Would they do it again?
Dennis Kitowski’s system was designed to produce about 6,700 kWh per year, covering roughly 81.3% of their annual electricity use, leaving only about 18.7% to be purchased from the utility.
As more of these firefighters went solar, they shared real-life experiences with each other. They talked about working with Northwind, how the numbers penciled out long-term, and how the systems held up in Wisconsin conditions.
Those conversations carried more weight than any advertisement ever could—because they came from people Todd had trusted for years.
The Beckens’ Part of the Ripple
One of the most meaningful parts of this story is that the ripple didn’t stop with early adopters, it grew.
For Kim and Todd Becken, solar wasn’t a new idea. “We knew we wanted to go solar for many years,” Kim explains. “But it never really fit into the budget. Something else always took priority, like a new roof.”
The desire was there, but the timing wasn’t.
What changed wasn’t just incentives or electricity prices; it was trust. Hearing directly from fellow firefighters who had already gone solar helped the Beckens move from “maybe someday” to “this could actually work for us.”
“It was specifically Dennis K and Vic K that had an excellent experience working with Northwind Solar staff and installers that influenced our decision, hands down,” Kim says. “Talking with other Northwind customers and fellow firefighters who had already gone solar really helped us feel confident taking the next step.”

That’s the ripple in action: one household goes solar, shares the real story, and the next household feels confident enough to move forward.
The Beckens Go Solar: Caring for Home and Future
With that encouragement, Todd and Kim moved forward with Northwind and installed a 4.45 kW grid-tied solar PV system at their homestead in Custer, WI, offsetting nearly 100% of their utility bill by generating their own electricity.
Their system includes:
- 10 high-efficiency 445W bifacial solar panels
- A 7,600W inverter to convert the sun’s energy into usable power
- A ground-mounted Sinclair adjustable racking system, designed to make the most of their land and sun exposure
Their solar array turned an open patch of land into a clean energy asset that supports both their home and their values.
“The Northwind Solar team has been outstanding from start to finish and beyond,” Kim says. “They continue to check in with us, and the system has been working great.”
For Kim and Todd, the benefits go far beyond the financials. “It is a peace of mind and we are proud that we can support and use clean energy,” Kim shares. “Using solar as a portion of our energy use allows us to do that.”
And when it comes to why they believe others should consider solar, Kim doesn’t hesitate: “Do it for your kids and your grandkids’ future. It’s worth every penny.”
Kim and Todd sum up their confidence in Northwind this way: “The excellent job they’ve done all around. We’re happy to be part of the Northwind solar group!”
Paying It Forward: Referring the Next Firefighter
What began with early adopters like Victor and Doug soon grew into a clear pattern. When someone has a great experience with solar, they talk about it, and those conversations build confidence for others.
In this firefighter solar ripple:
- Victor and Doug helped normalize the idea of solar early
- Dennis and Mary Kitowski helped prove that the numbers and process could work locally
- Todd and Kim Becken took the leap and then paid it forward
- Dennis Flanigan became the next home in the chain
Each step brought another household closer to energy independence and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, simply because someone took the time to share what they’d learned.
FEBRUARY REFERRAL SPECIAL!
If these solar stories have you thinking about solar, or remind you of someone who’s been talking about it for a while, you can help start the next chapter.
We offer free, no-obligation solar proposals anytime. It’s a great way to get an initial idea of how solar can work for your needs. Just give us a call, or request an estimate online.
For February 2026, Northwind’s referral program is open to anyone, not just existing customers. When you refer a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member who goes solar with Northwind, you’ll receive a $250 referral reward, and they’ll get a trusted local partner to guide them through every step.
That’s how the solar love spreads:
one conversation, one recommendation, one farm or front porch at a time.
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