Jefferson Area Business Center solar photovoltaic renewable energy system.

Jefferson Area Business Center goes solar

The Jefferson Area Business Center (JABC) in Jefferson, Wis. celebrated the commissioning of a path-breaking renewable energy system in June. The rooftop, 20-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy system - the largest commercial project of its kind in the county - was installed by JABC working in partnership with local utilities, contractors and students.

The primary goal of the system, according to owner Steve Lewis, was to cut electrical consumption. "The best electron is the electron not used," Lewis said.

The PV installation consists of 99 rooftop solar panels arrayed on the JABC rooftop. The system is anticipated to generate approximately 24,800 kilowatt-hours of energy per year, equivalent to approximately 12 percent of the building's annual energy use. WPPI Energy will purchase the energy produced by the JABC system.

WPPI Energy provided funding in the form of an up-front payment of $72,000 for the purchase of 10 years worth of energy from JABC's solar PV system. JABC also qualified for additional funding through Focus on Energy and will be eligible for tax credits. The innovative funding arrangement with WPPI Energy and Jefferson Utilities enables all parties to take advantage of renewable energy technologies; applications such as this one can increase our energy independence as nation while helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions.