MADISON, Wis. –
Madison College marked the completion of Wisconsin’s largest rooftop solar
energy installation today in a ceremony attended by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, Madison
Gas and Electric Co. Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Keebler, renewable energy
industry representatives and local dignitaries.
In the
gubernatorial proclamation read by Barnes, Gov. Tony Evers declared Jan. 16
“Madison College Solar Energy Day.”
“Today, Madison
College affirms our long-standing commitment to preserving our natural
resources, applying innovative thinking to meet employer demand for workers in
an ever-growing industry and harnessing a renewable source of energy for the
good of the whole and the benefit of future generations,” said Dr. Jack E.
Daniels, III, president of Madison College.
The solar array
contains 5,700 solar panels and covers 125,000 square feet of the roof of the
Truax Campus’ main building. On sunny days, the system will produce 100 percent
of the building’s energy demand for up to three hours. It will save the campus
more than $200,000 per year.
“This array will not only serve
the College with clean power, but it will serve as a valuable educational tool
for scores of students who will be able to interact with the system on-site,
and that is incredibly exciting,” said Keebler.
MGE provided a $500,000
grant toward building the 1,400-kW solar photovoltaic system. Madison College
covered the remaining $2.5 million cost from capital budget funds.
The installation will save energy
and reduce airborne emissions for local residents. In addition to cost savings,
the PV system will provide a hands-on laboratory for Madison College students
studying renewable energy and related fields such as Architecture, Electrical
Engineering, Industrial Maintenance and Construction and Apprenticeship
programs.
The installation includes monitoring
technology to provide output data for analysis by students
and the public.
and the public.
For more information about the
Renewable Energy program at Madison College visit https://madisoncollege.edu/program/renewable-energy.