West De Pere taps solar power to fuel green learning

From an article by Sarah Kloepping in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

West De Pere High School recently joined 20 area high schools that use solar energy to power classrooms and teach kids about alternative energy.

Through the Wisconsin Public Service Corp. Foundation program SolarWise, West De Pere had solar panels installed on the roof and received a three-week curriculum package to teach students about renewable energy. The program is covered by donations from 3,800 WPS customers and grants from Focus on Energy.

West De Pere principal Russ Gerke said the school was on a waiting list to have the panels installed for about two years.

"It's just another piece of the puzzle," Gerke said. "We're also looking at the recycling in the school and we've had 'ride your bike to school' day. It's all part of going green."

The solar panels supply enough energy to power about three classrooms per year, which saves about $200 to $300. But saving money is not the most important part of the program, said Chip Bircher, renewable energy product manager at WPS.

"The main goal of the program really is to educate students, the school and the surrounding community about the potential for renewable energy," he said.