Solar Story: How the Friess Family Built Solar Into a Life of Sustainability
The two met at UW–Stevens Point in the early 1970s and married shortly after. After renting locally for a few years, they bought their home on College Avenue in 1975, a house originally built around 1880, and they have lived there ever since. Over the decades, they have transformed and improved the home piece by piece, raising a family there and now helping raise a second generation: their grandson and granddaughter.
From the beginning, Jack and Jeanette have been committed to conserving energy and living sustainably. As Jack shared, “From the start, we were always fairly big energy ‘conservers,’ seeking ways to reduce our consumption”
through choices like small, gas-efficient vehicles, high-efficiency appliances, and everyday practices such as gardening, composting, and recycling. They also spent years improving their home, “from completely gutting it and re-doing everything, one room at a time, to adding a large addition with sun and play rooms.”
Adding solar, Jack said, “just seemed a natural extension to what we’ve always done.”

For the Friess family, one of the biggest surprises has been how much their solar system changed the way they think about energy use. “Probably the biggest benefit of our solar system was how it educated us in the amount and areas where we use (and abuse) electrical energy,”
Jack said. Becoming more aware of drawing from the system’s battery
at night motivated them to reduce their home’s electricity use even further. During the day, they now plan larger energy demands, like EV charging
or running the electric dryer, to line up with solar production when the sun is shining.
That awareness has paid off in practical ways. Jack says they enjoy combined summer gas and electric bills of around $20, and they especially love knowing they are, in his words, “driving on sunshine.”
Their Northwind Solar system has evolved over time, beginning with the installation of 20 panels and battery backup. Later, Northwind added four large bifacial “winter panels” mounted at a 60-degree angle on a specially built solar dormer, a unique feature that helps maximize production in the colder months.
When it came to choosing Northwind, Jack said the team stood out from the start. “Whether discussing with us our original concepts of design or providing top-notch engineering and technical assistance, Northwind’s dedicated staff provided us with ‘above and beyond’ support and services.”
When people ask whether solar is worth it, Jack and Jeanette are honest and practical for them; the return on solar is much more than a simple financial calculation. “Every day we gain so much in knowing: 1) we are helping to reduce our ‘carbon footprint,’ 2) we have greatly reduced our utility bills, and mostly 3) we have added significantly to the value of our property and our lives.”
Northwind helped make that possible, and Jack says they are always happy to share their experience with others who are curious about solar and this new approach to “living the dream.”

As concerns about climate change continue to grow, many homeowners are looking for practical ways to reduce their environmental impact without completely changing their lifestyle. One of the most effective and accessible solutions available today is home solar energy. By harnessing the power of the sun, households can generate their own clean electricity while decreasing their dependence on traditional power sources that contribute to environmental harm. Making the switch to solar is about more than just lowering monthly utility bills. It represents a long-term commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and smarter energy consumption. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to conserving valuable natural resources, solar power plays a critical role in shaping a more eco-friendly future. As technology continues to improve and awareness increases, more homeowners are recognizing the value of investing in renewable energy. Understanding how home solar energy directly reduces your carbon footprint can help you make a more informed and impactful decision for both your home and the planet. 1. Reducing Reliance on Fossil Fuels One of the most important environmental benefits of home solar energy is its ability to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Traditional electricity generation depends heavily on coal, oil, and natural gas, which release harmful emissions when burned. These emissions contribute to air pollution and are a leading factor in global climate change. By installing solar panels, homeowners can generate electricity without relying on these polluting energy sources. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and readily available, making it a powerful alternative to conventional power generation. When more households adopt solar power, the demand for fossil fuels decreases, leading to fewer emissions and a cleaner atmosphere. In addition, reducing dependence on fossil fuels helps limit the environmental damage caused by extraction processes. Mining, drilling, and transportation of these resources can disrupt ecosystems and contaminate water sources. By transitioning to solar, homeowners actively support a shift away from these harmful practices. 2. Lowering Household Carbon Emissions Every home contributes to carbon emissions through daily energy use, whether it is running appliances, heating or cooling spaces, or powering electronics. When electricity comes from traditional sources, these everyday activities leave a significant environmental footprint. Home solar energy offers a way to dramatically reduce these emissions. Solar panels generate electricity without producing greenhouse gases, making them a much cleaner option. As homeowners rely more on solar power to meet their energy needs, they reduce the amount of carbon released into the environment. Over time, this reduction becomes increasingly meaningful, especially when combined with energy-efficient habits. Lowering household emissions not only benefits the environment but also contributes to improved air quality. Cleaner air supports better health outcomes and creates a more pleasant living environment for families and communities. By choosing solar energy, homeowners can play an active role in reducing pollution and promoting overall well-being. 3. Conserving Natural Resources Another key advantage of home solar energy is its ability to conserve natural resources. Traditional energy production relies on finite resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These materials take millions of years to form and are being consumed at a rapid pace. Their extraction and use can lead to long-term environmental damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. Solar energy, on the other hand, relies on sunlight, which is an abundant and renewable resource. By using solar power, homeowners reduce the need for resource extraction and help preserve the environment. This conservation effort is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring that future generations have access to the resources they need. Additionally, solar energy systems require relatively minimal water compared to traditional power plants, which often use large amounts of water for cooling and processing. By reducing water consumption, solar power supports more sustainable resource management and helps protect vital ecosystems. 4. Supporting Energy Efficiency and Grid Stability Home solar energy also contributes to a more efficient and reliable energy system. When homeowners generate electricity on-site, they reduce the demand placed on centralized power plants and the electrical grid. This decentralized approach helps minimize energy losses that occur during transmission and distribution. Improved efficiency means that less energy is wasted, which in turn reduces the overall environmental impact of electricity production. In some cases, excess energy generated by solar panels can be fed back into the grid, supporting a more balanced and resilient system. This shared energy model benefits both individual homeowners and the broader community. Pairing solar energy with energy-efficient appliances and smart home technologies can further enhance these benefits. By optimizing how energy is used, homeowners can maximize the impact of their solar investment while continuing to reduce their carbon footprint. 5. Encouraging Sustainable Energy Practices Adopting home solar energy often leads to greater awareness of energy consumption and encourages more sustainable habits. When homeowners begin generating their own electricity, they tend to become more conscious of how and when they use energy. This shift in mindset can lead to meaningful changes in daily routines. For example, homeowners may choose to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting, unplug devices when not in use, or adjust their schedules to take advantage of peak sunlight hours. These small changes, when combined, can significantly reduce overall energy consumption and further decrease environmental impact. The influence of solar energy can also extend beyond individual households. As more people adopt renewable energy, it creates a sense of community awareness and encourages others to explore similar options. This collective movement toward sustainability amplifies the positive impact on the environment and helps drive broader change. 6. Increasing Long-Term Environmental Impact One of the most compelling aspects of home solar energy is its long-term impact. Solar systems are designed to provide clean, renewable energy for many years, making them a lasting solution for reducing carbon emissions. Unlike temporary energy-saving measures, solar power offers continuous benefits over time. As solar panels generate electricity day after day, the cumulative reduction in emissions becomes significant. This long-term contribution plays an important role in addressing climate change and supporting global sustainability efforts. The more homeowners invest in solar energy, the greater the collective impact on reducing environmental harm. According to HomeAdvisor, homeowners can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of the eligible system and installation costs for systems installed in tax years 2022 through 2032. This incentive makes it easier for more people to adopt solar energy, accelerating the transition toward cleaner energy sources and expanding the overall environmental benefits. Home solar energy provides a powerful and practical way to reduce your carbon footprint while contributing to a healthier planet. By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering household emissions, conserving natural resources, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable habits, solar power offers a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility. It empowers homeowners to take an active role in creating lasting environmental change while enjoying the benefits of clean, renewable energy. As more homeowners embrace renewable energy, the collective impact becomes even more significant. Each installation represents a step toward a cleaner future, where energy is produced in a way that supports both people and the environment. Investing in solar is not just a personal decision; it is a meaningful commitment to sustainability and long-term change. If you are ready to take control of your energy use and make a positive impact on the environment, we invite you to explore your options with Northwind Solar. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our homes and communities.




























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