Thousands of solar panels to be installed on New Berlin schools as part of new initiative

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) – A new program is going to turn sunshine into solar power in New Berlin.

We Energies, the New Berlin School District and SunVest Solar Inc. are teaming up for the program called, Solar Now.

Through the program, 8,000 solar panels will be installed on three district buildings and vacant land. The panels will generate enough energy to power 400 homes, according to leaders at a press conference on Thursday.

The school district will essentially lease its roof space and land to We Energies, generating income.

“Those dollars are going to be reinvested back into our school district and opportunities for our students and even furthermore, it allows our students to actually learn more about solar energy and environmental education,” New Berlin School District Superintendent Joe Garza said.

Construction has already started on some buildings. The goal is to have all of the solar panels installed by the beginning of the next school year.