As semester final marks are sent out from colleges across the country, we, too, are excited to announce that Energy Concepts has made the grade. RENEW Wisconsin has notified us that we made their Class of 2014 Honor Roll for “advancing solar generation” in Wisconsin for the 100 kilowatt (kW) solar array at Dane County Regional Airport. The airport’s array among other qualifying projects will be recognized at RENEW’s Energy Policy Summit, titled “Unlocking the Clean Energy Transition,” in January in Madison, WI.
For the last past 23 years, RENEW Wisconsin has supported renewable energy policies in Wisconsin through advocacy, education, and collaboration, and we are grateful for their work in the state. We could not be any more honored to have been selected for the Honor Roll, as we are extremely proud of the project and everyone who worked on it with us. Michael Vickerman, Program and Policy Director of RENEW Wisconsin, commented on the connection between our projects and RENEW’s efforts, “seeing creative and highly motivated entities like [Energy Concepts] powering positive change in Wisconsin is [RENEW’s] reward for laying down the policy foundation that supports this market sector.”
Speaking about the Dane County install, Vickerman continued, “This installation exemplifies the new generation of clean energy projects powering Wisconsin today and tomorrow.” The 377 Suniva panels installed on atop the airport’s brand new Snow Equipment Removal Building will provide power for half of the building’s electricity, up to 135,000 kilowatt per hour (kWh) each year, which is enough to cover the annual usage of 12 typical American homes. Not only is its roof efficient, but Airport Director Bradley Livingston, AAE, further promoted the building’s new benefits, “the ability to house and maintain all of our snow removal equipment in one facility will improve operational efficiencies.” By reducing out-of-service times for essential airfield maintenance equipment, flying will be more efficient on top of being a little greener.
Those almost 400 panels did not arrange themselves and become the largest municipally owned solar system in Wisconsin by themselves however. This turnkey photovoltaic system started with a successful public bid followed by carefully thought-out by our own Professional Engineer Craig Tarr using quality, American-made solar panels, racking, and inverters, and was engineered and installed by experts who know solar. Installing a new construction public project such as this one requires a depth of knowledge and experience to successfully execute. Energy Concepts was pleased to partner with MIRON Construction and deliver this high visibility project that benefits airport travelers and Dane County. Thank you to RENEW Wisconsin for acknowledging our hard work and the positive effect this and many other solar systems have on our state.
