Notre Dame Academy installs new solar electric system

From an article by Richard Ryman in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Green Bay Notre Dame Academy dedicated a new solar electric system on Monday and is preparing for renovation of its auditorium over the summer.

The Catholic high school dedicated a system designed and installed by Solar Innovations of Waukesha. Solar Innovations is owned by former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann.

Robert Pauly, president of Notre Dame, 610 Maryhill Drive, Green Bay, said the system cost about $181,000, and was paid for in part by a $143,000 grant from Focus on Energy and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. He credited science teacher Steve Kircher with discovering and applying for the grant.

The solar panels will generate 41,400 kilowatts a year and save $4,261 annually in electric costs, giving it about a seven-year payback on the school's portion of the project. It will save an estimated $95,000 over 15 years and $216,300 over 25 years, taking into account escalating energy costs, Pauly said. It is rated to last 30 to 50 years.

"Solar Innovations told us it is the largest solar system in Northeastern Wisconsin," Pauly said.