Ameresco: Ameresco, Inc. Completes Comprehensive Upgrades At Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Ameresco, Inc. announced the successful completion of a solar array and battery storage project at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, the winner of the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This marks the first such project in the college's history and represents a significant step forward in the institution's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. On April 24th, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official launch of this innovative project, with attendees including representatives from the college, Ameresco, and key stakeholders. The $1.6 million design-build project includes a 300-kilowatt solar array and a 125-kilowatt battery storage system, installed in an area behind the Knox Learning Center. The electricity produced by the solar array will be used exclusively for Building 400, one of the most populated buildings on campus during the summer. The system is expected to produce approximately 352,710 kilowatt hours, or approximately 60% of the building's electricity, saving the college approximately $30,000 per year in utility costs. In the event of an outage, the combination of the solar and battery energy storage system was designed to provide a resilient supply of energy to the student services building on campus. In recent years, the college has upgraded from fluorescent to LED lighting in parking lots, labs, and most rooms, installed rooftop air handling units, energy-efficient boilers in two buildings, energy-efficient water heaters in four buildings, and occupancy light sensors in most buildings. Southwest Tech contracted with Ameresco to develop a 10-year Comprehensive Energy Plan. The plan, which was fully completed by January 2024, outlines a path to achieve a 62% reduction in building energy use and a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade through four primary strategies: electrification of gas-fired equipment, lighting upgrades and controls, HVAC control strategies, and solar installations. As part of its commitment to sustainability and innovation, the college has plans to use the new solar array and battery energy storage system (BESS) as educational tools to teach students and train apprentices. By integrating these renewable energy technologies into their curriculum, the college aims to provide hands-on learning experiences that will prepare students for careers in the growing field of sustainable energy.