The City of Eau Claire has announced their 2020 Sustainable Eau Claire Awards, naming Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation's Solar on Eau Claire Schools as a winner in the category of Energy: Renewables, Efficiency or Conservation. The fifth annual awards were celebrated virtually this year, amidst the pandemic. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that are making a difference and creating a more sustainable Eau Claire.  

The solar arrays atop North and Memorial High Schools are scheduled for turn on December 1.

Solar on Eau Claire Schools, launched in December 2019, has raised more than $291,000+ to fund the engineering design, installation, racking, and 25-year maintenance contract for two solar arrays of 360 solar panels each. All 720 panels for the project were donated by the Couillard Solar Foundation. The fundraising initiative was a grassroots success, despite the pandemic, with match challenges from Pablo Foundation and Left Coast Fund, care of Hammond Climate Solutions. 

Eagle Point Solar of Dubuque, Iowa was named the installer for the project from Eau Claire Area School District’s competitive bid process. Installation took place September and October, and permission to turn on is anticipated for December 1.

Once turned on, the solar panels’ performance will be incorporated into the STEM curriculum at the two high schools, exposing students to career opportunities in the environmental and solar industries, and saving Eau Claire Area School District approximately $20,000 a year in utility costs.