Last week, Legacy Solar Co-op joined Uplevel Coworking as its newest member. Kurt Reinhold and Peter Fiala are sharing one of our two-person private offices. Fellow members, you can often find them in #225 enjoying the natural light their western-facing window provides.
We asked Kurt and Peter to share a bit about Legacy Solar Co-op, what they do there, and a bit about their experience in the space so far. In short, Legacy Solar Co-op works with a variety of organizations, making solar possible for libraries, schools, municipalities, and other community institutions about Wisconsin. Also, Kurt and Peter (and really the entire Legacy Solar Co-op Team) are pretty cool, and if you’re a fellow Uplevel Coworking member, you should definitely get to know them.
That’s especially true if you’re thinking about adding solar panels to your home, business, or nonprofit. Get started by taking their free assessment.
About Legacy Solar Co-op
Legacy Solar Co-op (LSC) is a statewide member owned cooperative that provides expert consulting and financing services to facilitate solar projects for communities & nonprofits in Wisconsin. Since 2014 and with over 40 projects to our credit, LSC has made solar possible for churches, farms, senior living facilities, libraries, schools, VFWs, humane societies, low-income housing developments, municipalities, and other community institutions in Wisconsin. Oftentimes, LSC can blend energy efficiency measures in with the solar photovoltaic (PV) project. LSC has also worked with hundreds of homeowners on their solar goals, helping get them the very best fit for their renewable energy investment.
Legacy Solar Co-op logo. Courtesy of Legacy Solar Co-op.
Who are Peter and Kurt?
Peter Fiala has been with Legacy Solar Co-op since 2018 and is currently its Vice President. Peter coordinates many administrative functions of the co-op, including its bond and loan program, system monitoring, grant-writing, office coordination, in addition to project management for nonprofit, commercial and residential customers. Since graduating from UW-Madison, he has been an avid volunteer or board member in local and environmental organizations, including WORT Radio and Rooted/Troy Farm. His family lives in Madison (just 4 blocks from Uplevel!) and has 1 dog, 2 cats, and 6 laying hens. Needless to say, Peter was excited when he learned about our soon-to-be-coming amenity… indoor bike racks!
Kurt Reinhold is Legacy Solar Co-op’s President, Chief Executive, and Managing Director. He has experience working in and with many cooperatives over the years, as well as with an international CPA firm that has developed over $3 Billion in energy projects. He has developed solar projects for over 30 community institutions with LSC. So far, Kurt has raised over one million dollars in Slice of Sun Solar Bonds and continues to provide the backbone for the Co-op’s tax financing model for developing community solar in Wisconsin.
Peter Fiala, the Vice President of Legacy Solar Co-op. Courtesy of Peter Fiala.
Why Did Legacy Solar Co-op Join Uplevel Coworking?
Like many members of Uplevel Coworking, Peter and Kurt became members to have a workspace separate from home, increase productivity, and access a conference room when needed. “Plus,” said Peter, “We have the flexibility to use it longer than we would a public space.” Legacy Solar Co-op has already booked our meeting spaces a few different times, and so far, it seems to be meeting their needs.
The upcoming events were also a draw. “It’s a quiet and appealing space,” added Peter, “and I like that you offer classes and networking opportunities.”
As we wrapped up, Peter noted that the workplace culture of Legacy Solar Co-op helps him do good work and thrive. “One of my favorite aspects of my job is working with a variety of organizations that have such different missions. Legacy Solar Co-op’s varied work environment allows for innovation and incorporates my skills and creativity.”
Just another reason that we hope Uplevel Coworking will be LSC’s home for quite awhile. If, like Peter and Kurt, you or your organization is looking for meeting space or could use a private office, learn more about our spaces, or book a tour!