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Wisconsin Solar Schools Map & Dashboard

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 for educators wishing to incorporate renewable energy concepts in the classroom.

For students, educators, school boards and other stakeholders interested in planning for renewable energy installation for a school building, explore Renewable Energy Resources for Wisconsin 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 & 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.

Mapping Renewable Energy in Wisconsin Schools

KEEP 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.

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.

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:

SchoolInstalledSize (kW)County
Forest Edge Elementary School2020646Dane
Deerfield High School2018474Dane
Merton School District2019389Waukesha
Lakeland Union High School2016280Oneida
Eau Claire Memorial High School2020252Eau Claire
Eau Claire North High School2020252Eau Claire
Northland Pines High School2017230Vilas
Algoma School District2020193Kewaunee
Darlington School District2015156Lafayatte
Oregon High School2017136Dane
Washburn Elementary School2020128Bayfield
Madison West High School2020126Dane
Eagle River Middle School2017120Vilas
Solon Springs School2020109Douglas

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).

RENEW Wisconsin welcomes suggestions for edits & additions to the map. 

For inquiries about integrating renewable energy into the curriculum or guidance for renewable energy installation in a K-12 Wisconsin school, 

please contact KEEP@uwsp.edu or 715.346.4770.