The FOX6 News article, “Pettit National Ice Center Rooftop Solar System Installed,” highlights a major renewable energy initiative at Milwaukee’s Pettit National Ice Center, one of the largest indoor ice-skating facilities in the United States. In partnership with Wisconsin-based Arch Solar, the facility is installing a 690-kW rooftop solar energy system designed to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability, and support the center’s long-term operations. The project represents a significant investment in clean energy for a facility known for its high electricity demands due to its extensive ice-making and refrigeration requirements.
The solar array features approximately 1,180 bifacial solar panels mounted on custom racking systems. Once operational, the system is expected to generate more than 815,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and offset roughly 20% of the Pettit Center’s total energy consumption. Project leaders note that the amount of energy produced is substantial enough to support thousands of ice resurfacings each year while significantly reducing the facility’s reliance on grid-supplied electricity.
Pettit National Ice Center General Manager Paul Golomski emphasized that the project is about more than energy savings. With more than 400,000 visitors annually, the center serves athletes, families, students, and future Olympians. Golomski described the installation as a “living classroom” that demonstrates how renewable energy can be integrated into large recreational facilities. Savings generated by the solar array will be reinvested into facility operations and future improvements, helping preserve the center as a premier training venue for generations to come.
Arch Solar Business Development Supervisor Andrew Holmstrom highlighted the uniqueness of using solar power to help support a multi-rink ice facility. He noted that the project demonstrates how sustainability initiatives can benefit both the environment and an organization’s bottom line. Renewable energy advocates also praised the installation, saying future Olympians training at the facility will literally be “skating on sunshine.” Overall, the project showcases how large-scale solar energy can help community institutions reduce costs, lower emissions, and strengthen their long-term sustainability.
