OneEnergy's Solar Panel Donation Program focuses on bringing solar energy to schools in the communities where our projects are located. In addition to donating solar modules, OneEnergy donates funding to assist with the installation and balance of equipment.  A recent solar panel donation was installed and commissioned at Mauston High School, in central Wisconsin, where our Lemonweir 3.7MWp solar facility is located. 

Luke Heath, a science teacher at Mauston High School, gathered his former Environmental Science students for a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 2, 2024, to celebrate the installation of a 10kW solar array donated through OneEnergy’s Solar Panel Donation Program. The panels were installed next to the school’s greenhouse where the ideal sun conditions and orientation were possible. These ground-mounted panels provide access for students to gain familiarity with and learn about solar panels firsthand. By bringing solar to the schools, we help students become familiar with solar energy and the many energy-related career opportunities that await these bright students. 

Teachers at Mauston High School are already inspiring students to think creatively about ways to live more sustainably. Luke Heath is also a KidWind Club Advisor, and immediately following the ribbon cutting, several of his students were hard at work on improving their wind turbine design for the upcoming 2024 World KidWind Challenge in Minneapolis. The KidWind Challenge is a competition where student teams design, construct, and test small scale wind turbines and solar structures. The energy and excitement of these students filled us with hope for the future health of our planet. The team at OneEnergy plans to continue working with students at Mauston High School and providing hands-on opportunities for students to learn about other aspects of solar energy.