Waunakee High School harnesses the power of the sun

Electric customers in Waunakee are benefitting from a recently repaired solar photovoltaic (PV) project mounted on the roof of Waunakee High School.

Waunakee Utilities worked with a solar contractor to replace the system inverter for the two rows of roof-mounted solar panels originally installed in 1999 and 2001. The panels have a total output rating of 4.6 kilowatts, providing approximately 5,500 kilowatt-hours of emissions-free electricity each year. All electricity generated by the system will be used at the school.

“It is our objective to be a model for the use of renewable energy,” said Steve Bower, Physics teacher at Waunakee high school. “This project will create an excellent opportunity to educate our students and community about the benefits of renewable energy.”

Solar PV systems collect energy from sunlight and convert it into electricity, providing renewable, emissions-free energy. These highly visible projects demonstrate the technology, while educating the community on their benefits, operation and performance.

Waunakee Utilities provided the funding to renew the solar PV system and has installed hardware that will allow students and community members access to online monitoring capabilities for the solar PV array. In addition, Waunakee Utilities is also sponsoring a class for teachers in the district to learn about energy conservation and renewable energy while receiving continuing education credits.

“We’re working hard to lead by example,” said Tamara Sondgeroth, energy services representative for Waunakee Utilities. “The use of renewable energy is a simple step anyone can take to help create a cleaner energy future.”

For more information, contact Waunakee Utilities at (608) 849-8111 or view the output data.