For more than a century, the Whitehall Community Library has been a cornerstone of learning, connection, and support in rural Trempealeau County. Rooted in a mission of accessibility, equity, and lifelong curiosity, the library serves not only the city of Whitehall but also several surrounding communities without libraries of their own. From preschool storytimes to after-school programs, healthy aging workshops, and even reentry support for individuals returning from incarceration, the library has long been a place where every member of the community can find resources, guidance, and belonging. With its recent move into a new building, the library is weaving sustainability into this legacy and ensuring the space itself reflects the same care and stewardship it provides to the people who walk through its doors.
As part of this commitment, the library installed rooftop solar panels alongside other efficiency measures like LED lighting and a heat pump. This investment does far more than lower energy costs: it makes the library a visible example of sustainability in action and a teaching tool for the entire community. Library Director Amanda Hegge describes the project as a “long-hoped-for dream,” one that will keep the library resilient and welcoming for generations to come. The solar array not only helps safeguard the library’s future but also sparks opportunities for environmental education and engagement, aligning perfectly with the library’s role as a hub of knowledge, innovation, and equity.
Whitehall's Clean Energy Upgrades
Solar Energy: Olson Solar Energy installed a 32.5-kilowatt solar array on the library’s roof. Composed of 56 panels, this system is expected to generate about 38,300 kilowatt-hours annually and meets 100 percent of the library’s energy needs.
Heat Pump: By installing an electric heat pump to regulate the library’s ambient temperature rather than burning fuel to do so, the library will benefit from lower energy costs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Whitehall Community Library’s Funding Sources
Through a combination of grant funding, donations, and state programs, Whitehall Community Library received a total of $62,998 in funding for its solar project. Many of these funding opportunities are available to other Wisconsin-based community libraries.
Solar for Good: The Solar for Good program provides solar panels and canopy grants to nonprofit organizations across Wisconsin.
Through generous funding from the Couillard Solar Foundation, the Solar for Good Program helps Wisconsin’s community libraries achieve their renewable energy goals. Solar for Good donated half of the panels needed for the project, valued at $9,135 in funding. To learn more about the Solar for Good program, reach out to solarforgood@renewwisconsin.org.
Solar Libraries Grant: Many grants are available specifically to increase libraries’ access to solar power. One of these grants is the EBSCO Solar grant. Whitehall Community Library received a grant of $10,571 for its installation.
Support from the Community: Members of the Whitehall community supported the efforts of the library’s sustainable building project and solar installation. A $11,000 gift from an individual donor during the library’s construction went specifically toward solar panels, and a $5,658 gift from Whitehall High School Class of ’65 was directed toward advancing sustainable practices at the library as a whole.
Solar Moonshot Program: The Solar Moonshot Program helps nonprofits across the United States switch to clean, renewable energy. The Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation’s Solar Moonshot Program offers up to $25,000 in grant funding. Whitehall Community Library was awarded the full $25,000.
Focus on Energy: Whitehall Community Library received $1,634 through the Focus on Energy incentives for installing solar. Focus on Energy offers financial incentives for various clean energy and building efficiency projects.
Whitehall Community Library's Power Playbook
For libraries interested in pursuing a similar clean energy project, Whitehall Community Library Director Amanda Hegge offers some powerful advice:
Go for it! Even in uncertain times, there are always people who recognize that solar is a smart, long-term investment, and you will find support. For us, solar was always part of the vision for our new building, so we were able to weave that dream into our fundraising from the very beginning. That made the process feel natural and helped the project progress organically.
Contact and Resources
- Contact Info: For more information about this project, please reach out to Library Director Amanda Hegge at whtlpldirector@wrlsweb.org.
- Acknowledgements: Whitehall Community Library would like to thank Jessica Schoonover, Project and Grants Manager at Winding Rivers Library System, and the Whitehall High School Class of 1965 for their support.