Ameresco Completes Comprehensive Upgrades at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy solutions provider dedicated to helping customers navigate the energy transition, announced the successful completion of a groundbreaking 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.

The $1.6M 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 percent 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 classrooms, 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 percent reduction in building energy use and a 100 percent 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.

"At Ameresco, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in every project we undertake,” said Lou Maltezos, President - Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco. “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."

“The new solar and battery project represents a significant step forward for our sustainability initiatives,” said Josh Bedward, Director of Facilities Manager and Master Electrician at Southwest Tech. “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.”

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

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. This initiative not only supports the college's sustainability goals but also equips students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the renewable energy sector.

“This project is a bold step toward a more sustainable future for our campus and our community,” said Krista Weber, chief HR Officer and Acting President of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. “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 ribbon-cutting ceremony, which took place on April 24th, marked the official launch of this innovative project, with attendees including representatives from the college, Ameresco, and key stakeholders. This milestone highlights Ameresco's commitment to delivering cutting-edge energy solutions that enhance efficiency and generate cost savings. As institutions like Southwest Wisconsin Technical College continue to prioritize energy efficiency, Ameresco remains dedicated to supporting their efforts with advanced technology and expertise.

Ameresco | https://www.ameresco.com/solution-solar-power/