Solar on Schools: A Brighter Future for Wisconsin Students
How Wisconsin schools are saving money, building resilience, and preparing students for a clean energy future.
Across the United States, more schools than ever are turning to solar energy—and it’s easy to see why. According to Generation180’s
Brighter Future 2024 report , the amount of solar installed on K-12 schools has tripled since 2015. Today, more than 6 million students attend a solar-powered school, experiencing firsthand how clean energy can power classrooms and communities.
Cutting Energy Costs, Investing in Education
For most school districts, energy is the second-largest expense after staff salaries (U.S. Department of Energy). That means every dollar saved on electricity is a dollar that can be redirected into what matters most: teaching, classrooms, and community priorities.
Solar is helping districts across the country achieve exactly that. According to Generation180’s Brighter Future 2024 report:
- Many districts are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars every year on energy bills.
- Over the lifetime of a solar system, the cumulative savings can add up to millions of dollars, reshaping district budgets in meaningful ways.
- In many cases, schools can adopt solar with little to no upfront cost, thanks to financing structures and grants.
These savings don’t just balance the books; they unlock resources for education. Schools are using solar savings to:
- Hire and retain more teachers
- Upgrade technology in classrooms
- Improve facilities and infrastructure
- Expand programs and extracurricular opportunities
Bottom line: Solar allows schools to spend less on energy and more on education, strengthening opportunities for students, teachers, and communities alike.
While cost savings are the driving force, schools also benefit in other ways:
- Resilience: Solar paired with batteries can keep schools operating during outages, making them reliable community hubs.
- Education: Solar arrays create hands-on learning opportunities, inspiring students to explore clean energy careers.
- Sustainability: Schools set a powerful example of environmental stewardship for students and families.
Local Impact: Solar on Central Wisconsin Schools
Here in Wisconsin, Northwind has a strong history of helping schools go solar, and in 2025 we're proud to bring these benefits to two school districts this summer:
- Tomorrow River Schools — Installed a 118.3 kW (DC) solar array. This large system will help the district significantly reduce its energy costs, freeing up more resources for classrooms and long-term investments in students.
- Weyauwega-Fremont Schools — With the support of a grant, the district installed an
18.9 kW (DC) rooftop system. Northwind designed it with
an inverter sized for future expansion, so the district can easily grow its solar capacity in the years ahead.
Both projects reflect a growing recognition among Wisconsin schools that solar isn’t just about saving money—it’s about preparing students for a brighter, more resilient future.
It's official, Northwind Solar has been voted Best of Portage County and recognized as a finalist for Best of the Valley in the USA TODAY Network's community choice awards! To everyone who voted, thank you! Your 5-star reviews and referrals are so appreciated, and truly help keep our business going. This award just confirms what we’ve always known: we have the best customers on the planet! This recognition is especially meaningful to us. Since 2007, we've been dedicated to bringing the benefits of solar power to Central Wisconsin, and to be chosen by the very community we serve is the highest honor we could ever hope to achieve. This is also a huge high-five to our employee-owned team. We take pride in our workmanship, quality of product, and attention to detail. To see that be recognized by the people of Portage County is humbling. As an employee-owned solar design and installation company, we care deeply about every project, every customer, and every panel we install. So, what does it mean to work with the "Best"? It means that from the moment you inquire with us, you'll be treated with the utmost respect. It means that your project, no matter how large or small, will be treated with the high standards It means peace of mind, with our 10-year workmanship warranty and in-house service department, we'll be here to answer any questions or perform maintenance or troubleshoot an issue if one should arise. It means that our team is comprised of certified electricians, technicians, and designers. It means that when you choose Northwind Solar, you can choose us with confidence to design and install a solar electric system that fits your needs, site, and budget. It means all this and so much more ! A Recognition of Our Dedicated, Employee-Owned Team This achievement is a direct result of the passion and hard work of our team. As a worker-owned cooperative, every member of our team isn't just an employee; they are a co-owner, personally invested in the success of every project and the long-term satisfaction of our customers. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation solar assessment and find out how much you can save by partnering with a trusted, award-winning local installer.
Haunted by High Energy Bills? How to Unmask the Energy Demons in Your Home
Home solar energy not only represents an eco-friendly solution but also offers substantial cost savings over time. Read this blog post to learn more!
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, solar services stand at the forefront. Keep reading to learn why solar power is becoming more popular than ever.
What you can expect during a Solar Site Assessment with Northwind Solar
As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets a little crisper here in Wisconsin, the seasonal change brings some unique advantages for solar energy. At Northwind Solar, we often get questions about how performance is affected by the shift in seasons. The answer is not just about what happens on the surface, but also what's happening behind the scenes to keep your system productive. As leaves turn in Wisconsin, the fall equinox marks the shift to lower sun angles and shorter days. Here’s how that affects your solar—and how to get the most from it. 1. Your PV Array is Built for the Long Haul For many homeowners, your panels are installed with a balanced tilt angle optimized for year-round energy production. The equinox, when the sun is at a midpoint in the sky, is a great reminder of this design. It's the point where your panels' angle is most aligned with the sun's path, showcasing how your system is built to perform in every season, not just the peak of summer. Performance varies seasonally, as expected: While daily production will naturally decrease due to shorter days and a lower sun angle, your system is still hard at work. Net metering credits earned during the sunny summer months can help offset your utility bill during the fall and winter, ensuring you see continuous savings. Adding an Energy Storage System (ESS) or battery backup can also help store generated energy during the day to use at night. 2. Extra Efficiency with Ground-Mounted Systems One of the great advantages of a ground-mounted solar system is the ability to make seasonal adjustments. Unlike fixed rooftop panels, ground mounts allow you to manually change the tilt angle at different times of the year. Why adjust for fall? A steeper tilt angle during the fall and winter months can improve power output by better aligning with the lower sun. This simple tweak helps you capture more energy and provides the added benefit of helping snow slide off your panels more easily later in the year. 3. The Science Behind Your Panels Did you know your solar panels can actually produce more power on a cold, sunny day than a warm one? The semiconductors in your panels operate most efficiently at cooler temperatures. As the temperature rises above their optimal range (around 77°F), a predictable decrease in power output occurs. This is because heat causes the atoms in the photovoltaic cells to vibrate more, which reduces the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity. This means that while your panels produce a high volume of energy during long summer days, the rate of production per hour of sunlight is actually higher on a clear, cool autumn or winter day. 4. The Passive Solar Bonus for Your Home The sun doesn't just work for your panels—it also works for your home's overall energy efficiency. As the sun’s angle lowers in the sky during autumn and winter, it can penetrate deeper into your home through south-facing windows. Harnessing thermal mass: This passive solar heating warms up internal surfaces with high thermal mass, such as tile or concrete floors. These surfaces absorb the heat and release it slowly throughout the evening, providing natural warmth and keeping your home cozy on cooler nights. It's a free and eco-friendly way to reduce your reliance on conventional heating. 
While solar is a sound investment for the future, maximizing federal tax credits now requires careful planning and quick action in 2025.
Do you know the benefits of using solar energy? Keep reading to learn more about how solar energy is changing the world and how you can do your part.
Maintaining solar power systems boosts efficiency, longevity, and reliability. Regular upkeep ensures cost savings and sustainable energy for years.
Discover seven compelling reasons to hire solar services, from cutting energy costs to boosting property value, and make your home more sustainable.
Share On: