Solar on Schools

The time is now for solar PV and Wisconsin schools are going solar! Through a vision and generous support from the Couillard Solar Foundation, Solar on Schools provides a range of free resources to Wisconsin K-12 schools interested in pursuing a solar PV system. The program boldly aims to help 100 Wisconsin schools realize the financial, educational, and community benefits of going solar.

Grant

The Solar on Schools grant provides WI K-12 school access to a module donation grant, with a value up to $20,000. This grant is intended for schools well on their way to installing a solar PV system and/or are already working with or in contact with installers developing a project. Schools must be able to demonstrate the ability to install their PV system within 12 months of being awarded the grant.

See our PDF application questionnaire and sample Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for more information on requirements and grant expectations. Applications can be filled outline through the link below.

For solar systems smaller than 100 kW, a school will be granted up to 50% of the panels required for the solar project.
For systems 100 kW and larger, a school will be granted 50 kW of panels
Installers can purchase additional modules for school projects through Speed Solar. Profit on sales of WI K-12 school modules will be donated to the Couillard Solar Foundation.

Restrictions

While all WI K-12 schools can utilize the resource center, at this time only public WI K-12 schools are eligible for the grant.
Private institutions should consider the Solar for Good grant, managed by RENEW Wisconsin.
Only one grant will be awarded per school district.

Grant Application

Resource Center

PV Development for WI K-12 Schools is a free online, on-demand resource center available to Wisconsin K-12 school affiliates interested in going solar. The resources are intended to assist school administrative teams, boards, staff, students, facilities crew, or other school affiliates (“Solar Planning Teams”) better understand the solar PV development process.

The resources can be utilized a la carte as needed for your solar PV project, or beginning-to-end. Think of it as a collection of case studies, document templates, expert presented videos, and other resources all compiled in one place.

Information will be presented about general solar market trends, how to assess site prioritization, finance, and procurement strategies used to deliver on-site solar. For more information, check out the full syllabus. Module topics include:

Introduction
PV Development Considerations
Energy Analysis
Site Prioritization & Assessment

Project Financial Modeling
RFP Development
Running a Competitive Solicitation
Project Assistance

Resource Center Registration

Resource Center Login

Technical Assistance

This course (i.e. resource center) was designed using the MREA’s expertise in developing solar photovolatic (PV) projects. Through internal work done by your school’s solar planning team in conjunction with these resources, your school should have everything you need to develop your own PV project and successfully go out to bid.

Through the partnership between the Couillard Solar Foundation and the MREA, a limited number of WI K-12 schools are able to receive MREA’s technical assistance team as a third party service.

To be considered, first complete the Resource Center Application Form to gain access to the Resource Center. Module 8 includes six (6) topic shorts, each summarizing the general technical assistance services offered to WI K-12 schools through course participation, as listed below:

PV Project Plan
Solar PV Site Assessment Report
Solar PV Economic Feasibility Analysis
Solar PV RFP Development Assistance
Solar RFP Evaluation Assistance
PV System Inspection and Report

Note: as of March 2020, Technical Assistance Services are temporarily suspended. Technical assistance services can be applied for directly within Module 8. An expanded explanation of services can be found here.

Topical Webinars

The Benefits of Solar PV for WI K-12 Schools – Nov. 6th, 2019

This webinar introduces MREA’s Solar on Schools initiative and current market trends for solar schools. Sara Windjue, Outreach Coordinator for the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program, discusses renewable energy educational and curriculum opportunities. You’ll hear from Oregon School District science teacher Nathan Mahr, who has been utilizing solar PV in school curriculum for years as well as Merton School District superintendent Ronald Russ, who discusses the district’s recently installed 300kW system.

It’s easy to get excited about solar on your school!