Community and School District work together to install solar array

Through community collaboration, Sauk Prairie High School now has a 150-kilowatt solar array on its roof that will help save the district more than $45,000 in annual utility costs. The district plans to install more in years to come. “This isn’t the last set of panels we’re going to put in the district,” said Superintendent Jeff Wright. “The rebates we received and the money we raised allowed us to save on energy costs. That funding could then be put into the classrooms, teachers, students and programs that make our schools successful.” Funding for the $645,491 project was procured in thirds: part Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, part district funds and part grants and community donations. Residents worked together as part of Sauk Prairie Solar Schools to connect with other community members and explain how the technology works. Their efforts raised $90,000. “The village is proud to support our schools through this project that will help save energy costs and provide an alternative to traditional sources of electricity,” said Alan Wildman, Village Administrator of Prairie du Sac. “We’re glad to see the hard work by community members has brought such quick results, and we’re happy to have been a part of that.” That total included a recent contribution of more than $42,000 from Prairie du Sac Utilities for the High School project. The next aim is to install a 200-kilowatt array on the roof of Bridges Elementary School and the district administration office, which is set to be completed in 2025. The utility will contribute another $46,177 for that installation. “Prairie du Sac Utilities always wants to work to better the community,” said Director of Public Works/Utilities Troy Murphy. “This collaboration with the school district is a perfect example of how we can do that.” Pictured, from left to right: Prairie du Sac Village Administrator Alan Wildman, Sauk Prairie School Superintendent Jeff Wright, High School Principal Chad Harnisch and Senior Energy Services Manager Anna Stieve of Prairie du Sac Utilities all take a moment for a photo alongside school district staff on Dec. 10 while accepting a donation from the village utility for a new solar array project installed on the High School rooftop.