Madison Area Technical College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 20 to introduce its new solar plus energy storage system at the Truax campus, marking a significant step in sustainability efforts.
The project aims to serve as a model for high-performance buildings in cold climates by integrating geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, and battery storage into an efficient system. This initiative is designed to increase reliability, reduce environmental impact, lower operating costs, and provide practical learning opportunities for students and educators.
“At our campuses, students gain hands-on experience with innovative technologies that prepare them for clean energy careers,” said Dr. Jennifer Berne, president of Madison College. “At the same time, we are advancing sustainable, reliable energy solutions for our region. It is particularly meaningful to celebrate this new solar investment during Earth Week.”
Key features of the installation include a 180 kWdc ground-mounted solar array with bifacial panels that enhance winter energy production by 10-20%, battery storage capable of operating at temperatures as low as 1°F, seasonally adjustable racking for year-round performance, integration with geothermal systems for fully electric operations, and an estimated lifespan exceeding three decades with an eight-to-ten-year payback period.
The site also functions as a living laboratory where students from programs such as Renewable Energy Certificate and Electrical Apprenticeship study real-world applications. “This solar plus storage installation provides infrastructure for training students for skilled technical careers in the energy workforce,” said instructor Ken Walz. “Most importantly, the energy sector provides jobs that cannot be exported…and pay family-supporting wages. Our graduates can feel proud knowing their work benefits both the planet and their communities.” The area around the array has been planted with native prairie species to support biodiversity.
Student Quinn Mattsson highlighted his involvement: “Madison College has shown me how to look at the world, imagine what’s possible, and figure out how to make it happen,” Mattsson said. “This project is an example of that — transforming an unused patch of lawn into a source of renewable energy…”
The $665,000 project received partial funding through a $435,000 Wisconsin Energy Innovation Grant Program award. Dr. Sylvia Ramirez said: “This project demonstrates Madison College’s commitment to protecting our planet…and advancing our mission to serve students.”
The college’s broader sustainability strategy includes reducing emissions and strengthening resilience while preparing students for clean-energy jobs. Since establishing its solar roadmap in 2017,the college reports commissioning multiple installations across campus buildings; by 2026 it operates nine photovoltaic systems totaling over three megawatts—contributing about $400,000 annually toward campus electricity needs.
Madison Area Technical College extends its educational reach across south-central Wisconsin according to its official website. The institution features state-of-the-art facilities designed for practical training according to its official website, offers more than 190 associate degrees along with online options according to its official website, provides open access higher education focused on lifelong learning according to its official website, is affiliated with the Wisconsin Technical College System according to its official website, and Dr. Jennifer Berne serves as president alongside the District Board of Trustees according to its official website.
The ribbon-cutting event began a weeklong series celebrating environmental initiatives including tours and workshops.
