Renewable Energy for Wisconsin’s K-12 Schools
Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Education Program fosters communication among schools with renewable energy systems and those interested in pursuing renewable energy projects in their schools. KEEP also provides curriculum and on-demand professional development for educators wishing to incorporate renewable energy concepts in the classroom.
For students, educators, school boards and other stakeholders interested in planning for renewable energy installation for a school building, explore Renewable Energy Resources for Wisconsin K-12 schools:
- Two Wisconsin electric utility providers offer funding and curricula for solar energy systems for K-12 schools in their service territories, Madison Gas and Electric & Wisconsin Public Service.
- Solar on Schools provides a range of free resources to Wisconsin K-12 schools interested in pursuing a solar PV system.
- CREATE, an NSF-funded initiative based at Madison Area Technical College, provides a step-by-step toolkit for school districts that are exploring or pursuing solar for their buildings.
- Every two years Generation 180 publishes a report on solar schools in the US.
Mapping Renewable Energy in Wisconsin Schools
KEEP conducted an initial survey in 2009-2011 of every school district in Wisconsin to learn which schools have renewable energy systems installed on their buildings, the types of systems (including biomass, geothermal, solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal and wind), and when possible number and size. Funding the initial map of Wisconsin schools with renewable energy installations was completed with funding from Focus on Energy.
KEEP maintains the Wisconsin Solar Schools Dashboard. The dashboard includes solar school statistics by year, by utility provider and by funding source. Access the dashboard
The data on the map and in the dashboard are only as good as what has been shared with KEEP. If you know of additional solar schools that should be added to the map or a solar dashboards that should be included, please email KEEP@uwsp.edu.
Inventory Results & Project Locations
2021 Summary of Results
In January 2021, 142 public and private schools with installed renewable energy were mapped (above). Four schools generated 150 kW using wind. The remaining 138 schools generated 5.35 MW of solar electricity! Listed below are Wisconsin schools generating at least 100 kW on site at the school:
| School | Installed | Size (kW) | County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Edge Elementary School | 2020 | 646 | Dane |
| Deerfield High School | 2018 | 474 | Dane |
| Merton School District | 2019 | 389 | Waukesha |
| Lakeland Union High School | 2016 | 280 | Oneida |
| Eau Claire Memorial High School | 2020 | 252 | Eau Claire |
| Eau Claire North High School | 2020 | 252 | Eau Claire |
| Northland Pines High School | 2017 | 230 | Vilas |
| Algoma School District | 2020 | 193 | Kewaunee |
| Darlington School District | 2015 | 156 | Lafayatte |
| Oregon High School | 2017 | 136 | Dane |
| Washburn Elementary School | 2020 | 128 | Bayfield |
| Madison West High School | 2020 | 126 | Dane |
| Eagle River Middle School | 2017 | 120 | Vilas |
| Solon Springs School | 2020 | 109 | Douglas |
2016 Summary of Results
In March 2016, 174 schools across Wisconsin reported renewable energy systems installed on their buildings, with 14% reporting more than one type of system. Most of the schools (145) reported a solar energy system (whether solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal or both).
- Photovoltaic (PV) – 131 schools
- Solar Thermal – 24 schools
- Geothermal – 31 schools
- Biomass – 11 schools
- Wind – 5 schools
For inquiries about integrating renewable energy into the curriculum or guidance for renewable energy installation in a K-12 Wisconsin school, please contact KEEP@uwsp.edu or 715.346.4770.
KEEP is funded with generous support by: Alliant Energy, WPPI Energy, We Energies, Wisconsin Public Service, Xcel Energy, and Madison Gas and Electric.
