Renewable Energy for Wisconsin's K-12 Schools
Wisconsin's K-12 Energy Education Program fosters communication among schools with renewable energy systems and those interested in pursuing renewable energy projects in their schools. KEEP also provides curriculum and on-demand professional development (Spring 2021) for educators wishing to incorporate renewable energy concepts in the classroom.
For students, educators, school boards and other stakelholders interested in planning for renewable energy installation for a school building, explore Renewable Energy Resources for Wisconsin K-12 schools
Mapping Renewable Energy in Wisconsin SchoolsKEEP conducted an initial survey in 2009-2011 of every school district in Wisconsin to learn which schools have renewable energy systems installed on their buildings, the types of systems (including biomass, geothermal, solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal and wind), and when possible number and size. Funding the initial map of Wisconsin schools with renewable energy installations was completed with funding from Focus on Energy. As adoption of renewable energy (RE) has become more widespread throughout Wisconsin, the need to have a comprehensive map of all installed commercial RE emerged. KEEP collaborated with RENEW Wisconsn, a Madison-based non-profit, to share school RE data that has been incorporated into a searchable  map that they host. Access an interactive version of the map shown below, read the suggestions for filtering map views, and link to forms for suggesting map upates.
KEEP maintains the Wisconsin Solar Schools Dashboard. The dashboard includes solar school statistics by year, by utility provider and by funding source. Access the dashboard
The data on the map and in the dashboard are only as good as what has been shared with KEEP. If you know of additional solar schools that should be added to the map or a solar dashboards that should be included, please email KEEP@uwsp.edu.
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Inventory Results & Project Locations
2021 Summary of Results
In January 2021, 142 public and private schools with installed renewable energy were mapped (above). Four schools generated 150 kW using wind. The remaining 138 schools generated 5.35 MW of solar electricity! Listed below are Wisconsin schools generating at least 100 kW on site at the school:
| School |
Installed |
Size (kW) |
County |
| Forest Edge
Elementary School |
2020 |
646 |
Dane |
| Deerfield High
School |
2018 |
474 |
Dane |
| Merton School
District |
2019 |
389 |
Waukesha |
| Lakeland Union
High School |
2016 |
280 |
Oneida |
| Eau Claire
Memorial High School |
2020 |
252 |
Eau Claire |
| Eau Claire
North High School |
2020 |
252 |
Eau Claire |
| Northland
Pines High School |
2017 |
230 |
Vilas |
| Algoma School
District |
2020 |
193 |
Kewaunee |
| Darlington
School District |
2015 |
156 |
Lafayette |
| Oregon High
School |
2017 |
136 |
Dane |
| Washburn
Elementary School |
2020 |
128 |
Bayfield |
| Madison West
High School |
2020 |
126 |
Dane |
| Eagle River
Middle School |
2017 |
120 |
Vilas |
| Solon Springs
School |
2020 |
109 |
Douglas
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2016 Summary of Results
In March 2016, 174 schools across Wisconsin reported renewable energy systems installed on their buildings, with 14% reporting more than one type of system. Most of the schools (145) reported a solar energy system (whether solar photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal or both).
- Photovoltaic (PV) - 131 schools
- Solar Thermal - 24 schools
- Geothermal - 31 schools
- Biomass - 11 schools
- Wind - 5 schools
Resources for K-12 Schools
Two Wisconsin electric utility providers offer funding and curricula for solar energy systems for K-12 schools in their service territories, Madison Gas and Electric and Wisconsin Public Service.
Solar on Schools provides a range of free resources to Wisconsin K-12 schools interested in pursuing a solar PV system.
The Solar Schools Campaign Toolkit will provide you with step-by-step guidance on how to advocate for solar at your schools.
The Wind for Schools project helps develop a future wind energy workforce through small wind turbine installations at rural elementary and secondary schools.
RENEW Wisconsin welcomes suggestions for
edits &
additions to the map.
For inquiries about integrating reneable energy into the curriculum or guidance for renewable energy installation in a K-12 Wisconsin school,
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