Gov. Tony Evers visits UW Platteville. | Twitter/UW Platteville
Gov. Tony Evers visits UW Platteville. | Twitter/UW Platteville
Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) committed to a pitstop in Platteville, Wisconsin to learn more about University of Wisconsin Platteville's solar panel project.
Evers toured around campus at UW Platteville to check out a newly renovated classroom building and the ongoing solar panel project in Memorial Park.
“Thank you to Gov. Tony Evers for visiting campus today,” UW Platteville said in a July 19 tweet. “The tour stopped at the new solar array located in Memorial Park and our newly renovated Boebel Hall. #OpenForOpportunity @GovEvers @UWSystem @OfBilsa #ZeroWaste2035."
Evers said solar energy is "critical" for creating a 21st century economy.
“@uwplatteville is building the largest state-owned array in Wisconsin, supported by $3 million from the state,” Evers wrote in a July 19 tweet. “It was great to visit UW Platteville today to see the good work they are doing firsthand.”
UW Platteville reported that the university received approval and funding from the state for the solar panel project earlier this year.
“We are excited to take this momentous step in our commitment to sustainability,” Chancellor Dennis J. Shields told UW Platteville. “These efforts will save taxpayer money and have a lasting impact on future generations of Pioneers. I am proud that UW Platteville can serve as a model of innovation and pave the way for other state agencies to follow suit."
Scheduled for completion by the fall, the project is estimated to save $217,000 and reduce carbon emissions by 2,300 tons annually. The idea of the project originated from over 300 UW Platteville students who signed a petition in 2018, asking the university to hit a target of 100% renewable energy by 2030. The following year, 82% of the university’s students supported moving forward with the goal per a referendum.
The solar array will be located on the five acres of the hill facing the south thats west of Pickard Hill. The panels will have a 30-year life expectancy.
The project is estimated to offset campus electricity use by 17%, UW Platteville reported.
Once completed, the project will be the state's largest state-owned solar array, Seehafer News reported.
UW Platteville has one of the nation's only four-year renewable energy degrees.
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