Columbus Water & Light Utility

Project Description

The Columbus Water and Light Utility, located in Columbus, Wisconsin, sought to take advantage of funding opportunities provided by WPPI Energy for sustainable initiatives. To take advantage of the funding opportunity, the City planned the construction of a solar array to be positioned on the Department of Public Work’s property.

R/M was contacted to assist through the design (including electrical), assistance and negotiation of WPPI’s approval process on behalf of the City, management of the construction bidding process, and provided construction oversight. The solar array construction began in the spring of 2020 and went completely operational in the summer of 2020. The ground-mounted panel is approximately 120 ft. long and around 20 ft. wide.

The panel is utilized as additional power generation for the Department of Public Works Building and grounds.

R/M collaborated with the City and WPPI Energy to ensure that the funding package developed, and the array design, would create the best benefit for the community. The project was a great example for the City and its residents to experience sustainability initiatives first-hand and understand that the City takes sustainability seriously.

Project Highlights

  • A very visible, nuanced project for a traditional community.

  • Navigated WPPI’s funding requirements to provide the community sustainable energy.

  • Experience working through electrical grid tie-ins.

Services Provided

  • Approvals

  • Solar Site Design

  • Funding

  • Electrical Tie-ins