132 kW School Solar Installation in Sparta, WI | Herrman Elementary

Project Overview

When Herrman Elementary School in Sparta, Wisconsin began exploring solar energy, the goal was straightforward: reduce long-term operating expenses while taking advantage of available renewable energy incentives. The district wanted a solution that would generate meaningful energy savings for decades while also providing educational value for students and the community.

Lydon Solar designed and installed a 132 kW DC ground-mounted solar energy system adjacent to the school building. The project utilizes four ground-mounted solar arrays and a 100 kW AC inverter system to offset a significant portion of the school’s electrical consumption.

Since commissioning, the system has exceeded production expectations by approximately 5%, delivering even greater value than originally projected.

Project Goals

The Sparta Area School District pursued solar energy for several reasons:

Long-Term Energy Savings

Schools operate on tight budgets, and reducing utility expenses allows more resources to remain focused on students, staff, and educational programs.

Incentive Utilization

The project was developed while favorable federal incentives remained available, improving the overall economics of the installation and accelerating the return on investment.

Educational Opportunities

The district also recognized the value of having a real-world renewable energy system located directly on campus. Students now have direct access to a working solar energy installation that can be incorporated into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

System Design

Lydon Solar designed a four-array ground-mounted system positioned adjacent to the school building. Ground mounting allowed the district to maximize solar production while preserving roof space and simplifying future maintenance.

The installation consists of:

• 218 high-efficiency 580-watt solar modules
• 132 kW DC system capacity
• 100 kW AC inverter system
• Commercial-grade ground mount racking
• Utility-interactive design

The array layout was optimized to provide strong annual production while maintaining a clean appearance and accessibility for maintenance personnel.

Construction Process

The project progressed through several phases:

Site Preparation

Ground mount foundations and racking systems were installed adjacent to the school building.

Array Construction

Four separate solar arrays were assembled, allowing construction activities to remain organized and efficient while minimizing disruption to school operations.

Electrical Integration

The solar system was interconnected with the school’s electrical infrastructure and utility service to allow seamless energy production and monitoring.

Commissioning

Following testing and utility approval, the system was energized and began producing clean renewable energy for the school district.

The completed installation now serves as a prominent visual example of the district’s commitment to innovation and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

STEMKAMP Community Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project occurred after construction was complete.

Herrman Elementary selected the solar installation as a featured component of its STEMKAMP Community Day program. Students and families were invited to learn about renewable energy, solar technology, engineering, and electrical systems through hands-on activities located directly beside the solar arrays.

Lydon Solar participated in the event by providing educational demonstrations and solar-powered project kits for students.

Lydon Solar founder Zach Lydon also served as the keynote speaker for the event, discussing STEM careers, skilled trades, renewable energy, and the importance of lifelong learning.

The result was a unique opportunity for students to connect classroom concepts with a real-world renewable energy project operating on their own campus.

Project Results

Since commissioning, the solar installation has delivered strong performance.

Key outcomes include:

• Reduced utility costs for the school district
• Production approximately 5% above forecast
• Long-term budget stability through solar energy generation
• Educational opportunities for students and teachers
• Increased community awareness of renewable energy

The success of the project has also helped pave the way for future solar development within the district.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves!

The Herrman Elementary solar system isn’t just saving energy; it’s saving money and helping the planet. Here’s a snapshot of the economic impact:

• Avoided Electricity Cost: $956,602
  (That’s like not having to pay an entire electric bill for the next 30 years!)
• Total Lifetime Benefit: $884,371
  (A significant boost to the school’s budget that can be reinvested into educational programs, extracurriculars, and more!)
• Lifetime Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 30.08%
  (That’s like getting a 30% return on your investment every year—pretty amazing!)
• Lifetime Net Present Value (NPV): $422,793
  (This is the value the school will gain from this system in today’s dollars—pretty much like having extra cash in hand right now!)
• Lifetime Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE): $0.018/kWh
  (Which means, for every kilowatt-hour of energy the school uses, it costs less than a penny. Talk about an incredible deal!)
• Payback Period: 2.6 Years
  (In just 2.6 years, the school will have recouped the entire cost of the system—after that, the energy savings are pure profit!)

Wisconsin Incentive Summary For Herrman Elementary Solar Project

The Herrman Elementary solar project can receive funding assistance through many means, including the following:

• Solar Moonshot Grant – Secured
  $25,000 cash grant provided by Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation
• Solar on Schools Grant – Secured
  50KW panel donation ($26,000 value)
• Lydon Solar Donation – Secured
  $10,000 donation toward project costs
• Focus on Energy Rebate – Reserved
  $6,300 cash rebate
• IRA/ITC Direct Pay Provision – Reserved
  30% of the total project cost following completion ($54,000)

How Much Emissions Are We Saving?

Here’s where the fun really begins—this solar system doesn’t just save money, it also helps reduce harmful carbon emissions, making the planet a cleaner place for future generations. Let’s break it down:

• Annual CO2 Emissions Reduction: The 171,000 kWh produced by this solar system will offset roughly 125,000 pounds of CO2 every year.
  • That’s like planting 5,000 trees every year, or taking 12 cars off the road annually.
• Lifetime CO2 Emissions Reduction: Over its lifetime, the system will eliminate over 3 million pounds of CO2—equivalent to removing 100 cars from the road for an entire year!

Now, think of it like this: Every time you turn on a light at Herrman Elementary, you’re not just using energy—you’re helping our kids breathe cleaner air, learn about sustainability, and contribute to the world’s energy future. How cool is that?

In Summary:

• A 132 kW solar system will provide 171,000 kWh annually to Herrman Elementary.
• This system saves $956,602 in avoided electricity costs over its lifetime.
• It will generate $884,371 in total lifetime benefits and achieve a 30.08% return on investment.
• The school will see a payback period of just 2.6 years.
• With this project, we’ll reduce CO2 emissions by over 3 million pounds, helping combat climate change.

This solar project is more than just a bunch of panels on the ground—it’s a chance to teach, to inspire, and to make a lasting impact. The future is bright, and it’s solar-powered! 🌞 Let’s go green, Sparta! 🌱

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