SolarEdge and Arch Solar announced the completion of a nearly 390-kW rooftop solar project at Nicolet Union High School in Glendale, Wisconsin. Since coming online in Fall 2024, the system has been generating clean energy and reducing operational costs for the school while serving as a hands-on educational resource for students.
The solar array, featuring high-efficiency modules and SolarEdge SE100K-US inverters, has produced more than 477 MWh of electricity in its first operational year. The system now powers nearly 19% of the school’s annual energy needs.
“At SolarEdge, we’re committed to making clean energy smarter, more efficient, and more accessible,” said Charles Ellis, VP of C&I sales for SolarEdge. “This project with Arch Solar and Nicolet High School is a powerful example of how smart solar technology can deliver long-term value, both financially and academically, to local communities.”
Designed and installed by Arch Solar, the system spans seven distinct rooftop sections and uses TerraGen racking at 15° and 23° tilts. The design overcame complex challenges, including varying roof heights, shading and structural limitations. Using SolarEdge Designer, the project team optimized the layout and production while incorporating future scalability into the electrical and inverter infrastructure.
“This wasn’t just another install; it was a community investment,” said Andrew Holmstrom, business development supervisor at Arch Solar. “Many of our employees live nearby, and my own kids will one day attend Nicolet High School. Knowing that they’ll be learning under the same roof that we’ve helped transform with clean energy makes this incredibly personal. It’s not just about panels, it’s about setting an example for the next generation and showing our community what’s possible when you invest in sustainability.”
The project was part of a broader $80 million campus renovation initiative and was supported by federal and state incentives, including the Inflation Reduction Act and Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program. With these incentives, Nicolet cut its anticipated solar project costs in half, resulting in a payback period of just 6.4 years.
“This project represents so much more than energy savings,” said Jeffrey Pruefer, Director of Business Services at Nicolet Union High School. “It’s a commitment to sustainability, education, and long-term stewardship. Our students can now interact with live energy data from the SolarEdge platform — turning our rooftop into an extension of the classroom.”
The school has already begun integrating SolarEdge’s real-time monitoring tools and environmental sensors into its STEM curriculum. With detailed insights into irradiance, temperature and energy consumption, students are gaining firsthand exposure to clean energy technologies and data analysis.
Looking ahead, the system has been engineered for future expansion, with capacity for additional rooftop panels or solar carports and the potential to integrate battery storage.
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