Seventh Generation Energy Systems

Walking the Walk

In 2006, WECC, the founder and past administrator of WI Focus on Energy program, began planning for its new headquarters building. As the state-wide advocate of renewable energy and energy efficiency, WECC integrated technologies that would showcase the practice of clean energy. Using efficiencies in building design and on-site electric and hot water options, the organization that talked the talk, also walks it. The result was the largest solar electric systems in Dane County in 2007.

At just over 19kW, the system designed and installed by Seventh Generation helped to qualify the WECC building for LEE D Platinum certification - the first such achievement in WI.

Education in Action

The system was designed to maximize energy production and at the same time, make an example for the many thousands of people who would visit the WECC building. To this ends, the solar project includes four “solar flags” throughout the parking lot. Each top-of-pole mounted array consists of eight PV panels that create a strong visual statement about WECC’s energy priorities.

On the roof of the WECC building is another 13kW of solar panels. The array of 80 panels extends nearly the entire length of the roof line as you enter the building. One of the design challenges was integrating the array with the roof surface. Seventh Generation worked closely with the solar rack manufacturer to install a ballasted pan system that avoids potential damage to the roof.

Don Wichert, the solar program administrator for many years puts it this way, “As a statewide champion of renewable energy programs we felt compelled to include solar electric in our building design. It was important to demonstrate our commitment and to understand what it’s like to live with these technologies on a day-to-day basis ”

new construction, new opportunities

During the construction of a new building, a solar project design and integration is less expensive and greatly simplified. Seventh Generation met regularly with WECC’s building project manager and contractors. The coordination of activities supported that goal that the solar electrical infrastructure was a part of the whole building. Overall, the integration of solar into the build-out reduced costs and made for a smooth and speedy installation.

The reliability of solar production is what makes the technology remarkable. The solar panels on WECC’s roof and “solar flags” are making clean power just like day one of commissioning. As Don Wichert says, “The system integrates exceptionally well within the site and produces more energy than we’d hoped for.” He emphasizes the importance of a solar site assessment and design of the system.

Seventh Generation has a team of skilled engineers and project managers to guide you through your solar design project from 10kW to 10 MW. Because solar is a highly scale-able technology, appropriate to many rural and urban locations, we work with all of our customers to analyze the potential for solar power on-site. The WECC building project was a pioneering moment in Wisconsin’s renewable energy history, one that has proven beneficial for the thousands of participants in the Focus on Energy program.

A solar supported energy sector

The Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp founded a leading state public benefits program, Focus on Energy. Throughout the years WECC has worked tirelessly to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in WI. As their efforts expanded, the WI job market grew to lead the Midwest in small and large businesses based in renewable and efficiency technologies. There’s no doubt solar energy will play a role in our energy future nationally, and WI is well placed to follow the trend.