The Wisconsin Public Radio article, “Milwaukee’s Pettit Center Indoor Olympic Speedskating Oval Goes Solar,” highlights a major renewable energy project at the Pettit National Ice Center, one of the most unique and energy-intensive sports facilities in the United States. The Milwaukee landmark, home to the nation’s first indoor 400-meter speedskating oval and an official U.S. Speedskating training site, is installing a 690-kW rooftop solar system designed to reduce its energy consumption by at least 20 percent while helping power the facility during summer months.
The Pettit Center spans approximately 200,000 square feet and contains enough ice to fill more than five NHL-sized rinks, making energy efficiency a significant operational challenge. Facility leaders say the solar project represents an important investment in sustainability and responsible energy management. General Manager Paul Golomski noted that there are only a handful of indoor speedskating ovals in North America and about 40 worldwide, making the facility a valuable community and athletic resource worth preserving for future generations.
Milwaukee-based Arch Solar is leading the installation, which includes approximately 1,200 bifacial solar panels capable of generating electricity from both sides of each panel. The system is expected to significantly reduce the center’s environmental footprint. According to project estimates, the installation will eliminate approximately 12,778 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over a 20-year period—an impact comparable to planting 191,000 trees or removing millions of vehicle miles from the road.
For Arch Solar, the project carries both environmental and community significance. Business Development Supervisor Andrew Holmstrom, who grew up near the facility and skated there as a child, described the project as an opportunity to leave a lasting positive impact on a building that has played a central role in Milwaukee’s athletic community.
The project demonstrates how large-scale solar installations can help community institutions reduce operating costs, lower emissions, and ensure long-term sustainability while supporting world-class athletic training and public recreation.
