Ameresco, Inc., a leading provider of energy solutions, announced the successful completion of a major solar array and battery storage project at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, the 2025 winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This project is the first of its kind in the college’s history and marks a significant milestone in its efforts to promote sustainability and energy efficiency. The $1.6 million design-build project includes the installation of a 300-kilowatt solar array and a 125-kilowatt battery storage system behind the Knox Learning Center.

The electricity generated by the solar array will be used exclusively for Building 400, one of the most heavily used buildings on campus during the summer months. It is estimated that the system will produce around 352,710 kilowatt hours annually, covering approximately 60 percent of the building’s electricity needs. This is expected to save the college about $30,000 per year in utility costs. Additionally, in the event of a power outage, the combined solar and battery storage system has been designed to provide a resilient energy supply to the campus’s student services building.

Lou Maltezos, President – Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco, said in a statement, “At Ameresco, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in every project we undertake. This collaboration with Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a shining example of how renewable energy solutions can be seamlessly integrated into educational institutions. By harnessing the power of solar energy and advanced battery storage, we are not only reducing the college’s carbon footprint but also setting a precedent for other institutions to follow. We are proud to support Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in their journey towards a greener and more energy-efficient future.”

Josh Bedward, Director of Facilities Manager and Master Electrician at Southwest Tech, stated, “The new solar and battery project represents a significant step forward for our sustainability initiatives. The project cuts our electric expenses by about 10 percent, while ensuring continuous backup power supply to our administrative building. The environmentally friendly project enhances our campus infrastructure while building our capacity to meet upcoming challenges.”

Dan Imhoff, Executive Director of Facilities, Safety, and Security at Southwest Tech, mentioned, “To complete the project, we leveraged one-time capital funds to install the solar array which will generate ongoing financial savings. The project represents a financially sound decision which supports our sustainability goals and our commitment to financial accountability to our district.”

Over the past few years, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College has made significant strides toward greater energy efficiency by implementing upgrades such as replacing fluorescent lighting with LED fixtures in parking lots, labs, and most classrooms, installing rooftop air handling units, energy-efficient boilers in two buildings, energy-efficient water heaters in four buildings, and occupancy light sensors throughout most of its facilities.

To further these efforts, the college partnered with Ameresco to develop a 10-year Comprehensive Energy Plan, which was completed in January 2024. The plan sets out a strategy to achieve a 62 percent reduction in building energy use and a 100 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade. Key strategies include the electrification of gas-fired equipment, upgrades to lighting and control systems, improvements to HVAC control strategies, and the installation of additional solar energy systems.

Krista Weber, chief HR Officer and Acting President of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, also added, “This project is a bold step toward a more sustainable future for our campus and our community. The solar array and battery storage system not only reduce our environmental footprint and save on energy costs but also serve as a hands-on learning lab for our students. It’s an investment in both innovation and education, and we’re proud to lead by example.”

The college also plans to incorporate the new solar array and battery energy storage system into its educational programs. By using these technologies as learning tools, Southwest Tech aims to provide students and apprentices with practical, hands-on experience in the renewable energy field. This initiative not only supports the college’s sustainability goals but also prepares students for future careers in the growing sustainable energy sector.

The project was officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 24, which was attended by representatives from the college, Ameresco, and other key stakeholders. This milestone reflects Ameresco’s commitment to providing innovative energy solutions that help institutions achieve greater efficiency and cost savings. As more educational institutions focus on reducing their environmental footprint, Ameresco continues to offer the advanced technologies and expertise needed to support their sustainability efforts.