Founded in 1974, the Literacy Network teaches reading, writing, communication and computer skills to approximately 1,000 low-income Dane County adults each year (90% are people of color; 67% are women). A staff of 28 and nearly 900 annual volunteers help participants achieve financial security, well-being and deeper engagement with their families and the community.
In fall 2016, after renting for more than 40 years, Literacy Network purchased and renovated the building at 701 Dane Street, with nearly four times more space than their previous location.
SOLAR ENERGY OFFSET: 57% | EST. ANNUAL SAVINGS: $6,300
INSTALLER:
Established in 1994, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ALNC) connects children with nature while promoting environmental sustainability. ALNC has incorporated renewable energy and energy-efficiency measures into its facilities for decades, including:
A solar thermal system installed in 1997 by H&H Solar as the primary source of heat and hot water. A portion of the system has since been decommissioned.
A 10-panel photovoltaic system installed in 2004.
2010 Madison Gas & Electric Solar Photovoltaic System:
A 17.172 kW solar array featuring 54 SunPower modules, installed by H&H Solar Energy Services and estimated to produce approximately 20,918 kWh annually.
The Story
In 2023, ALNC began planning its next investment in renewable energy. Legacy Solar Cooperative (LSC) worked with ALNC through 2025 to evaluate its energy use, available incentives and funding, and existing renewable energy systems; coordinate removal and recycling of the solar thermal system; and guide the development and procurement of a new rooftop solar project.
LSC assisted with grant applications, financial analysis, utility data analysis, vendor selection, contract negotiations, and IRS Direct Pay. LSC also provided project oversight and technical assistance through installation, commissioning, and incentive capture.
Solar Solution
In 2025, LSC member installer Midwest Solar Power installed a 35.38 kW DC rooftop solar array on ALNC’s preschool building, atop a newly installed metal roof. The array includes 61 Philadelphia Solar 580-watt bifacial modules mounted on south- and west-facing roof sections using IronRidge and EcoFoot racking systems.
The system is projected to produce approximately 43,000 kWh annually, offsetting more than half of ALNC’s annual electricity use.
The project was supported by Renew Wisconsin’s Solar for Good, the Couillard Solar Foundation, and the Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation’s Solar Moonshot program.
In 2025, Legacy Solar Co-op worked with Northwind Solar to install a 352kW solar array at the wastewater treatment plant in Antigo, WI. The array is estimated to offset about 31% of their electricity annually.
Gallery
Solar Consulting
Make your solar vision a reality with expert help. At Legacy Solar Co-op, we specialize in supporting organizations and businesses through every step of the solar installation process, ensuring that your project is successful and sustainable. From research to financing, we’ve got you covered. We dedicated to helping you make informed choices about solar energy, connecting you with reliable vendors, and exploring funding opportunities to make your project affordable. Learn more about our solar consulting services today.
Slice of Sun Solar Bonds
Legacy Solar Co-op sells Slice-of-Sun Solar Bonds to any member who would like to support a Solar Legacy project like this one, and earn interest on their bonds purchased through the co-op. Ready to get involved?
LOCATION: Kaukauna, Wisconsin CAPACITY: 298.8 kW COMPLETION DATE: October 2017 SOLAR CONTRACTOR:
General Beverage Companies (GB) is one of the largest wholesale distributors of wine, distilled spirits, beer and non-alcoholic beverages in Wisconsin.
General Beer Northeast is consolidating operations in Northeastern WI with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. A new 300kW solar array on its Fox Cities office will offset nearly 50% of its electricity use, reducing costs and supporting peak demand management. The system, covering the warehouse roof in Kaukauna, WI, will help preserve unpasteurized beverages while cutting energy expenses.
The company prioritizes fair wages, union contracts, and responsible construction practices, distinguishing itself as the only Wisconsin beverage wholesaler honoring union agreements. With Focus on Energy assistance, the payback period for the solar project is expected to drop from 11 to 7.5 years. Despite financial challenges, including eminent domain impacts, General Beer remains committed to long-term sustainability and operational savings.
The 298.9 kW solar installation will operate for 25+ years, using 100% of its energy on-site. No facility changes are needed, and efficiency upgrades will further reduce demand. Generating over 350,000 kWh annually, it will save the company $21,000+ per year.
General Beverage Northeast, Inc. Solar Array (Photo Credit: Google Earth)
General Beverage Northeast, Inc. Solar Array (Photo Credit: Google Earth)
General Beverage Northeast, Inc. Solar Array (Photo Credit: Google Earth)
LOCATION: Webster, Wisconsin | CAPACITY: 19.72 kW | COMPLETED: November 2018 SOLAR CONTRACTOR:
Since 2000, the Humane Society of Burnett County(HSBC)’s mission has been to “provide a safe haven for stray or unwanted animals, to foster the human-animal bond, to promote responsible pet ownership and to end pet overpopulation through spay/neuter” in Burnett County. With the help of an $8,000 grant through Renew Wisconsin (secured by Legacy Solar Co-op), they installed a 19-kilowatt solar array at their new shelter and education center, offsetting over 50% of their electricity costs and saving an average of $5,600 annually.
The Humane Society of Burnett County is excited to partner with Carlson Electric, Legacy Solar Coop, Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative and Renew Wisconsin on a solar energy project which will be located at the new Peggy Schilling Animal Adoption and Education Center, 7410 County Road D, Webster, WI. Thanks to this partnership, HSBC is able to demonstrate our commitment to sustainable energy and its many benefits.
In 2024, Legacy Solar Co-op worked with Eagle Point Solar to install a 26.24kW rooftop solar array at Capri Cheese in Blue River, WI. The array is estimated to offset about 96% of their electricity annually.
Troy Farm is an urban training and production farm located in Madison and operated by the nonprofit organization Rooted, WI, Inc. Rooted’s programs are devoted to increasing equitable access to land, fresh food, and learning opportunities in Madison and throughout Dane County.
Legacy Solar Co-op worked with member Arch Solar C&I to install a 38kW rooftop solar array at Racine County Foodbank and a 60kW rooftop solar array at HALO (Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization), Inc. in Racine, WI. HALO’s array is expected to offset about 60% of the organization’s electricity annually.
Photo courtesy of Arch Solar C&I.
Solar Consulting
Make your solar vision a reality with expert help. At Legacy Solar Co-op, we specialize in supporting organizations and businesses through every step of the solar installation process, ensuring that your project is successful and sustainable. From research to financing, we’ve got you covered. We dedicated to helping you make informed choices about solar energy, connecting you with reliable vendors, and exploring funding opportunities to make your project affordable. Learn more about our solar consulting services today.
Slice of Sun Solar Bonds
Legacy Solar Co-op sells Slice-of-Sun Solar Bonds to any member who would like to support a Solar Legacy project like this one, and earn interest on their bonds purchased through the co-op. Ready to get involved?
In 2023, Legacy Solar Co-op worked with member Arch Solar C&I to install a 91kW rooftop solar array at St. Robert Catholic School in Milwaukee, WI. The array is expected to offset about 30% of the organization’s electricity annually.
LOCATION: Green Bay, Wisconsin | CAPACITY: 280 kW | COMPLETION DATE: January 2023
SOLARCONTRACTOR:
Curative Connections is a non-profit in Brown County, Wisconsin that helps seniors and adults with disabilities navigate options that support their goals for independence through a proactive approach to care and a clear focus on individual needs. Founded in 1948, they are a mission-driven and values-focused organization supporting a culture of gentleness.
