Clean Energy Works is RENEW Wisconsin’s initiative to get into the field with our business members and learn directly from those doing the work each day. By shadowing installers, technicians, and staff across the clean energy industry, we gain a deeper understanding of what goes into the work. These experiences directly inform how RENEW supports and advocates for the people and companies driving clean energy forward.

The heart of many Wisconsin communities is the local school district, and that is certainly true in Amherst. When Amherst High School decided to install a rooftop solar array, it was not just about saving money on energy. It was about helping students see renewable energy in action every day. Through the Solar on Schools program, supported by the Couillard Solar Foundation and administered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), the district added a solar system that both powers the school and offers hands-on educational value.

To see how this project came together, I joined Isaiah “Zay” Miller, Commercial Project Manager at Northwind Solar, a worker-owned cooperative based in Amherst, WI.

Meet the Crew

Zay’s path into solar started with curiosity and a willingness to learn. He got his start in 2018, doing mostly residential rooftop installations with almost no construction experience under his belt.

He quickly found his footing at Northwind. Within a few months, he was leading the DC side on commercial projects, later moving into Field Manager and Project Manager roles. Today, he oversees commercial systems and handles much of the design work.

Having worked in nearly every position in the company, Zay brings a deep understanding of what it takes to install systems safely and efficiently.

Before joining Northwind, Zay studied ecological engineering at Oregon State University. His background in water systems gave him a useful way to think about energy. “It’s all systems thinking,” he said. “How water moves, how power moves, it’s just a different medium.”

At around 7 years with Northwind, Zay is now a member-owner of the company. Northwind operates as a worker-owned cooperative, which shapes how the company approaches its projects.

“You have to work here for two years before you can buy in,” Zay said. “The cooperative model means we make decisions together. It’s a shared responsibility.”

About the Technology

The Amherst High School system was designed to match how the building actually uses power. The panels sit above the cafeteria because that section of the roof is closest to the cafeteria’s service connection and where the school’s electricity demand peaks.

Zay explained that the cafeteria experiences the highest energy demand during the day, especially around lunchtime when kitchen equipment, lighting, and ventilation are all running. The system was designed and sized to offset that exact peak. “That’s what makes the system efficient. It’s tied to real usage, not just open roof space,” he said. 

On top of the school, the array sits on a weighted mounting system designed to rest securely on the roof without drilling into it. 

“Flat roofs are never truly flat,” Zay said. “There’s always a slope for drainage, so we adjusted the racking to make sure everything sat evenly.”

Zay explained that the layout was built with flexibility in mind, allowing the district to expand the system later or connect to another service point if they decide to increase their solar capacity.

Why It Matters

For Zay, the Amherst project shows how clean energy can fit naturally into community spaces. “This work builds community,” he said. “It’s local jobs, local power, and you can see what you’ve built every time you drive by.”

He also emphasizes that success in solar depends on strong trade skills and an eye for detail. Carpentry, measurement, and problem-solving often matter more than electrical training at first. Many of the best installers, he noted, come from farming, construction, or mechanical backgrounds where those instincts are second nature.

Zay sees solar installation as a skilled trade that blends craftsmanship, teamwork, and purpose. Many of the people he works with come from different backgrounds and discover the field by chance, but stay because the work is meaningful. As he put it, “Being able to think ahead and problem-solve is what separates a good installer from a great one.”

Looking Ahead

Zay sees a future where solar projects continue to connect people to both energy and place. He is particularly interested in the potential of agrivoltaics, an approach that allows land to be used for both solar generation and agriculture. By combining the two, solar arrays can produce clean energy while also supporting crop growth and improving soil health. To Zay, this kind of dual-purpose design shows how renewable energy can work in harmony with Wisconsin’s agricultural roots rather than compete with them.

He also sees value in bringing policymakers and educators closer to the field. “It’s great when people from the policy side come out here,” he said. “A lot of the challenges we deal with, like permitting delays or utility rules, aren’t visible from an office.”

As Amherst High School’s system begins generating power, it reflects the kind of thoughtful design and craftsmanship that defines Northwind’s approach. For Zay, it is another example of what good planning and teamwork can accomplish.

“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to build good systems and do right by our customers and our team,” he said.

If you are part of this work and would be willing to share your story, I would love to join you for a day. Feel free to reach out to me at ben@renewwisconsin.org.

Clean Energy Works is RENEW Wisconsin’s initiative to get into the field with our business members and learn directly from those doing the work each day. By shadowing installers, technicians, and staff across the clean energy industry, we gain a deeper understanding of what goes into the work. These experiences directly inform how RENEW supports and advocates for the people and companies driving clean energy forward.

When you step into a school, hospital, or office building, you probably notice if it feels bright, fresh, and comfortable. What you do not see are the systems behind the walls and above the ceilings that make that comfort possible. Mike Barnett, a mechanical engineer with a passion for the environment, has built his career making sure those systems not only function well but also contribute to a healthier future. At HGA, a national architecture and engineering firm with a strong presence in Wisconsin, Mike works within the Building Performance group to ensure that buildings are efficient, sustainable, and designed for people to thrive.

Meet the Crew

For Mike, the path into this work started with a question: how do you connect technical expertise with sustainability? With a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in environmental studies, he had both the technical training and environmental awareness, but his first job out of college didn’t provide the connection he wanted.

“I moved back to Madison and found a position that combined my interests for the technical and sustainable, working with building owners to make their buildings more efficient,” Mike said. 

His return home marked the beginning of a career that perfectly balances curiosity with impact. “Building systems are more than just the sum of their parts. Systems need to work together in an efficient manner,” Mike explained.

He thrives on the challenge of integrating heating, cooling, lighting, and airflow so that a building feels effortless to those inside it. And while the technology is complex, the work is rooted in relationships. Those partnerships, built one project at a time, are what make his work meaningful.

“I have really enjoyed collaborating with tradespeople over the years on solving complicated problems related to HVAC controls in commercial buildings,” he said.

About the Technology

HGA’s Building Performance group has a simple but essential mission: To make sure the systems perform the way they were intended. A central part of this work is commissioning. Commissioning is one of the last steps in the building process. It involves testing a building’s systems once construction is complete to confirm everything works the way it was designed. That can involve checking HVAC airflow, verifying that lighting and controls respond properly, or ensuring the building envelope is sealed against leaks.

Mike describes it as “not a very well-known aspect of the construction process, but I have come to appreciate how important commissioning is to realizing the original sustainability and energy goals of a project.”

On one hospital project, Mike explained that his team discovered a hidden air leak between an operating room and a main clinic space. If left unresolved, the leak could have spread contaminated air, threatening patient safety and sanitation. Because it was caught during commissioning, the issue was fixed before the hospital opened. For Mike, moments like this prove why commissioning is essential: it prevents costly problems, protects health, and ensures buildings truly deliver on their sustainability and energy goals.

Why It Matters

Mike knows that sustainable design is only successful if it is embraced by leadership. It’s his opinion that sustainability has to be a priority of the leaders of that organization. That is why he always frames the benefits in ways that resonate. In schools, it means healthier classrooms and lower operating costs. In hospitals, it is about better patient care and stronger staff retention.

One standout project for Mike is Forest Edge Elementary, the state’s first all-electric net-zero school. The school not only reflects the district’s long-standing environmental values but also delivers lasting savings.

“Oregon School District has always been a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, and Forest Edge continued to be a concrete example of the district living its values and doing so in a way that provided long-term financial savings to the district,” Mike said. “I’d love to turn back time and attend elementary school at Forest Edge!”

For Mike, these projects are about more than technical achievement. “At the end of the day, we do this so people can thrive in better spaces,” he said.

Looking Ahead

As buildings become more efficient in their daily operation, Mike sees attention shifting toward the carbon footprint of the materials themselves. HGA is already at the forefront, designing with mass timber and committing to SE 2050, a national pledge to achieve net zero embodied carbon in structural systems by 2050.

“As buildings continue to operate more efficiently and utilize clean energy as their fuel, embodied carbon will receive more attention as building owners continue to find ways to lower their carbon footprint,” Mike said.

Just as important is Mike’s desire to inspire others to step into this work. They could do this by getting involved in their local community. Mike has found that there are many great opportunities to get exposed to sustainability in buildings. His local high school’s green team, which spearheaded the installation of solar panels, is one example. For him, it is a reminder that leadership can come from anywhere.

“Even if they do not have aspirations to work directly in the field of architecture, there are opportunities to lead on sustainability,” Mike said. “We all have influence over the collective decisions we make at the organizations we work at and the communities we live.”

If you are part of this work and would be willing to share your story, I would love to join you for a day. Feel free to reach out to me at ben@renewwisconsin.org.

Clean Energy Works is RENEW Wisconsin’s initiative to get into the field with our business members and learn directly from those doing the work each day. By shadowing installers, technicians, and staff across the clean energy industry, we gain a deeper understanding of what goes into the work. These experiences directly inform how RENEW supports and advocates for the people and companies driving clean energy forward.

Battery storage is a newer part of residential clean energy, and is slowly becoming an important way for homes to manage power. We use batteries every day, whether in our phones, laptops, or cars. Now that same technology is being installed in Wisconsin homes to help families stay resilient during outages and make the most of the solar energy they produce, even after the sun goes down.

To see how an installation comes together, I spent the day with the crew at Home Team Energy. They are a tight-knit group of seven employees based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, completing about 100 projects a year since opening in 2019.

On this job, I followed Stefan and Josh as they installed a Tesla Powerwall in the basement of a newer home outside Burlington.

Meet the Crew

Stefan began his career in northern Minnesota doing residential electrical work. Moving to Wisconsin gave him the chance to keep doing what he loved while stepping into an industry with room for advancement. Home Team Energy provided the path for him to earn his master electrician license. 

On this job, that expertise showed in the way he worked with both the battery panel and the home’s main electrical panel open. This setup let him see exactly how each system and component connected, ensuring the wiring was installed correctly and the disconnects were set to meet electrical and building codes. 

As he worked, he explained each step, highlighting how these details keep the system safe, reliable, and ready for inspection. He made sure everything fit neatly on the homeowner’s wall so it looked like it belonged there. He pointed out how they were planning to run the conduit, the reasons for running it where it needed to be, and how they were making efficient use of equipment. Every line was leveled, the wiring was tidy and presentable, and everything was ready to meet the requirements for inspection later that day.

Josh grew up in Waukesha and Lake Geneva before moving to California to work in a high-volume solar market. He eventually returned to Wisconsin to be closer to family and the communities he knew well. On the job, he measured and cut conduit so the line from the roof to the electrical meter and into the basement would be straight, clean, and easy to follow. His precision ensured the installation looked as good as it performed.

As we worked, the conversation turned to their love of Wisconsin’s outdoors. They traded stories about trout streams, favorite fishing spots, and the quiet places in state parks where they hunt in the fall. 

About the Technology

The Tesla Powerwall is a rechargeable home battery that stores energy for later use. It can be charged from solar panels or directly from the grid. When solar panels produce more power than the home needs, the extra energy goes into the battery. Later, when the home needs electricity, especially during the evening when demand is high, the battery supplies that power instead of drawing it from the grid.

This is where the home and the grid work together. For example, on a hot July evening when air conditioners, TVs, lights, and electric stoves across the neighborhood are turned on, this Burlington homeowner can run their home on energy stored in the Powerwall earlier in the day. That means they are not pulling from the grid during its busiest hours, which reduces strain on the system and frees up power for their neighbors.

At rural homes like this one, batteries are especially valuable. They provide backup during outages, keep essential systems running, and offer peace of mind in places where grid reliability can be less certain.

Why It Matters

Battery storage benefits more than just one home. It supports the neighborhood by reducing strain on the grid during high-demand times. This Burlington installation will help the homeowner use their own clean energy while also supporting the wider system.

Clean energy also pulls and keeps talent. Contractors like Home Team Energy, along with other RENEW Wisconsin members, attract skilled workers from other states, bring experienced people back to Wisconsin, and provide high-paying careers that keep those workers here. These jobs bring in people who want to build something meaningful while staying connected to their communities.

Looking Ahead

Battery storage is becoming a central part of Wisconsin’s clean energy future. Systems like the Tesla Powerwall allow homeowners to use solar power when it matters most, provide backup during outages, and prepare for future utility programs such as virtual power plants and advanced grid management.

My day with Home Team Energy was not only about the technical side of the installation. It was about Stefan explaining the “why” behind each choice, Josh taking the extra moment to make each cut exact, and both of them speaking about the land, water, and wildlife they want to protect. These systems are more than equipment on a wall. They represent the work of skilled people building a cleaner, stronger energy future for Wisconsin, one home at a time.

If you are part of this work and would be willing to share your story, I would love to join you for a day. Feel free to reach out to me at ben@renewwisconsin.org.

Clean Energy Works is RENEW Wisconsin’s initiative to get into the field with our business members and learn directly from those doing the work each day. By shadowing installers, technicians, and staff across the clean energy industry, we gain a deeper understanding of what goes into the work. These experiences directly inform how RENEW supports and advocates for the people and companies driving clean energy forward.

When you think about Wisconsin’s clean energy jobs, it is easy to picture panels, wires, and policy charts. But the real story starts with people.

On a crisp spring morning, I joined a crew from Arch Solar as they set out to bring another rooftop solar project to life. They were a small team, each person coming from a different background: Dave, who leads the panel installs, once packed clothes at Lands’ End. Billy, two months into the job, fixed bikes in Fond du Lac. Leo, now installing panels with the crew, poured concrete in Milwaukee. Jenny, one of the lead electricians, farmed organically near Plymouth before entering the trades. TJ, now a master electrician, once trained for the police academy.

These are the people building Wisconsin’s clean energy future, one project at a time.

The Crew on Day One: Foundations First

The first day of the install was all about setup. I spent the full day with the rooftop solar crew, Dave and Billy, as we laid the foundation for the project. That meant attaching the structural supports and rails that hold to solar panels, along with all of the electrical infrastructure. The crew’s quick work ensured everything was set up for the next day’s panel work.

Dave, one of the lead solar panel installers, has been with Arch for a few years now, and his attention to detail is top-notch. After getting some hands-on experience in the field, he’s now hoping to enter Arch’s electrician apprenticeship program. His steady focus and thoughtful approach stood out, whether he was leveling rails, checking truss locations, setting supports, or making sure conduit was cleanly installed.

Billy, who is just two months into the job, was right there alongside him. It was immediately clear how much he had picked up in such a short time. He asked smart, timely questions and jumped into the work confidently.

While we worked on the roof, Don and Neil handled the electrical work below. Don, who is currently in his electrical apprenticeship, was paired with Neil, a master electrician. They were in charge of setting up the electrical components for the next day, and their coordination with the rooftop team was seamless. Questions moved quickly between us, and answers came easily.

The Crew on Day Two: Panels, Service, and New Faces

The second day brought new crew members and new tasks. Dave and Billy returned, and Leo joined them in handling the panel installation. It was the first time the panels were actually going on the roof, and the three of them worked with speed, care, and attention to every detail.

While the panel install team was up on the roof, I spent all of day two with the electricians, Jenny and TJ. That change in perspective gave me a full view of the project and helped round out my experience across both days. Day one was about structural layout, hardware, and module prep. Day two gave me a front-row seat to the electrical service upgrades, EV charging readiness, and system wiring that bring a solar project to life.

Jenny is a lead electrician at Arch. Before joining the team, she spent years working on an organic farm near Plymouth. Her path into the trades is a powerful example of how someone can have a long, successful career in one field and still pivot to something completely different when the time feels right. Jenny’s calm, knowledgeable presence made her a go-to for any electrical question on site. TJ, her counterpart, also took a unique path to the trades. He has thrived in his role at Arch and recently passed his master electrician exam.

This Is What a Good Job Looks Like

Clean energy conversations often focus on technology, investment, and carbon reduction. Those things matter. But being on-site reminded me that clean energy is also about people and good jobs.

Good jobs are at the heart of the clean energy transition. Jobs that pay well, teach real skills, and offer a pathway forward. Jobs for people from all kinds of backgrounds, whether from bike shops, concrete work, farming, or retail.

Everyone I met was doing skilled work they could be proud of, and every person was thinking about what came next. Whether it was Billy just getting started or TJ recently earning his master electrician license, there was a shared sense that this was about more than a paycheck. It was about building careers, strengthening communities, and creating a future they can stand behind.

Looking Ahead

For RENEW, site visits like this help us better support the people who do this work. We spend a lot of time writing comments, reviewing rate cases, analyzing permitting policy, legislative proposals, and advocating for changes at the Public Service Commission. That work is critical, but it is even more impactful when it is informed by firsthand experience.

There are more crews to meet, more technologies to explore, and more stories to tell. At the end of the day, clean energy is about the people behind it. The more we listen to them, the stronger the future we can build for the grid, for the climate, and for the communities doing the hard work.

If you are part of this work and would be willing to share your story, I would love to join you for a day. Feel free to reach out to me at ben@renewwisconsin.org.