Wisconsin public schools spend more than $175 million annually on energy, the largest expense outside of personnel. Solar PV installations provide a unique means for schools to reduce operating expenses without cutting educational programs. Schools can also utilize these installations to educate and energize the next generation with hands-on renewable energy curriculum, exposing them to careers in clean energy. The industry added jobs 70 percent faster than the overall economy from 2015-2019. The demand for these jobs is only going to continue to grow as our national energy economy transitions away from fossil fuels.
Recognizing these unique benefits, and with generous support from the Couillard Solar Foundation, Solar on Schools was developed to provide a range of resources to Wisconsin schools, assisting with and simplifying the solar project development process. The program aims to help Wisconsin schools realize the financial, educational, and community benefits of going solar. Wisconsin schools are going solar.