Solar on Schools: A Brighter Future for Wisconsin Students
northwindre.com • August 28, 2025
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.
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I went solar with Northwind, and it was a great experience! Since friends don’t let friends miss out on solar, I wanted to refer you to Northwind so you can see if it might be a good fit for you too, especially with this being the final year to claim the 30% residential solar tax credit . Just fill out the form below, and Northwind will be in touch to explore your options and provide a free, no-obligation solar estimate.  Be sure to include my name so they know I sent you!
A major shift in U.S. energy policy is here.
Right now, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers a 30% tax credit to businesses that install solar energy systems. Originally scheduled to continue through 2033, the current Senate version of the bill maintains this 30% rate only through the end of 2025. After that, the credit is set to step down sharply: 18% in 2026, 6% in 2027, and 0% in 2028 and beyond. Don’t Miss the Safe Harbor Window Fortunately, there’s a way to lock in the full 30% credit before it’s reduced. Under the IRS’s "safe harbor" provision, you can preserve the full ITC by beginning physical work on your project or making a minimum 5% down payment by the end of 2025 — even if your system is completed in 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to secure long-term financial benefits while the full federal incentive is still available. Stackable Incentives Make the Financials Even Better Beyond the ITC, there are several additional programs that can dramatically reduce your project’s net cost: 10% Domestic Content Bonus: Earn an extra 10% tax credit for using U.S.-made solar components. Focus on Energy Rebates: A Wisconsin-based program offering upfront cash rebates for solar projects. MACRS Accelerated Depreciation: A federal tax benefit that allows you to recover the cost of your solar system more quickly through tax deductions. Solar Central Wisconsin Grow Solar Group Buy: Group pricing and additional resources that make going solar more affordable for local businesses. When stacked together, these incentives can cover a significant portion of your total investment, all while reducing your energy bills for decades to come. Why Act Now Solar has always been a smart investment, but today’s environment is uniquely favorable. With utility energy costs rising and key federal credits sunsetting, 2025 is the year to take action. Whether you’ve previously explored solar or are just getting started, revisiting your project now could mean locking in tens of thousands of dollars in savings. Northwind Solar can help you navigate every step, from incentive qualification to project design and installation. Improve your profitability by making a high-performing energy investment in your business. Achieve energy independence, support local businesses, and contact Northwind Solar today! REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE Reach out anytime at: 715‑630‑6451 ___________________ Additional Resources: Update on Residential Solar Incentive Changes Solar Incentives Overview Grow Solar Central Wisconsin Group Buy Program
Do you have questions about solar system benefits? Read this blog to learn more about breaking down the myths and real benefits of solar power.
PROGRAM UPDATE: Only 6 kW to go before we hit the 250 kW milestone and unlock the max Group Buy Discount for all participants—$0.15 per watt (up from $0.10/W today). For a typical 8 kW home system, that’s about an additional $1,200 in savings. Sign by Sept. 30 to lock this in.
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