IBEW Local 494 Solar Project

Aerial view of the IBEW Local 494 building with rooftop solar panels and adjacent solar canopy installation area.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

IBEW Local 494 Solar

Milwaukee County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Milwaukee, WI

CLIENT

IBEW Local 494

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Westphal & Company

SIZE

75 kW
Aerial view of the IBEW Local 494 building with rooftop solar panels and adjacent solar canopy installation area.
Aerial view of the ballasted rooftop solar array installed on the IBEW Local 494 building.
Westphal and Company solar installation crew standing in front of the completed solar canopy at IBEW Local 494.
Electric vehicle charging at dual-pedestal EV stations located beneath the solar canopy at IBEW Local 494.
SolarEdge inverters and electrical service equipment mounted on the exterior brick wall at the IBEW Local 494 facility.
Drone view of the 36 kW cantilevered solar canopy structure in the IBEW Local 494 parking lot.

IBEW Local 494 Solar Project Overview

Westphal and Company delivered full EPC services for the IBEW Local 494 Solar Project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The design-build installation includes both rooftop and parking canopy solar systems that serve as an educational case study for IBEW members interested in renewable energy technologies and electrical construction methods.

The project features a 36 kW cantilevered canopy array that covers twelve parking stalls, providing both energy generation and weather protection. Beneath the structure, Westphal installed two dual-pedestal EV charging units to support vehicle electrification for the union’s staff and members. On the roof of the facility, a 39.2 kW ballasted solar array was added to further expand the site’s clean energy capacity.

In addition to the new arrays, the project included the removal of two dual-axis tracking systems originally installed in the early 2000s. These upgrades improve system reliability, reduce maintenance needs, and create a modern platform for hands-on training and demonstrations. The combination of canopy, rooftop, and EV charging infrastructure makes the installation a valuable resource for IBEW members and a strong example of Westphal’s integrated design-build solar capabilities.

Key Project Highlights

  • Full EPC, design-build solar installation for IBEW Local 494
  • 36 kW cantilevered parking canopy covering twelve stalls
  • Two dual-pedestal EV charging stations installed under the canopy
  • 39.2 kW ballasted rooftop solar array
  • Removal and replacement of early-2000s dual-axis tracker systems
  • Designed as a hands-on learning resource for IBEW members

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Centro Hispano

Centro Hispano community center exterior at dusk

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Centro Hispano

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Madison, WI

CLIENT

Centro Hispano of Dane County

GC

Findorff

Project Schedule

Sept. 2022 - April 2024

Centro Hispano Community Center Overview

The Centro Hispano community center project showcases Westphal and Company’s work on a highly collaborative, community focused facility in Dane County.

Centro Hispano’s new facility in Madison, Wisconsin transforms a former industrial site into a vibrant community center supporting youth programs, workforce development, and cultural services. Westphal and Company delivered the full electrical scope for this award-winning project, collaborating closely with the design and construction team to meet architectural, cultural, and sustainability goals.

The project has been widely recognized, earning the IIDA WI First Place Community Award, a 3-Star Climate Champion designation, and inclusion in the Daily Reporter’s Top Projects of 2024.

Westphal’s work required detailed coordination and innovative installation methods due to the building’s diverse spaces and intricate design elements. Crews integrated lighting systems into custom architectural features, implemented advanced lighting controls, and strategically placed electrical equipment in tight or nontraditional locations to maintain clearances and design intent. BIM coordination, total station layout, and a high level of prefabrication supported accuracy, reduced rework, and improved field productivity.

Key Project Highlights

  • Award-winning community facility with complex architectural features
  • Advanced lighting systems and controls coordinated across multiple trades
  • Strategic routing and placement of electrical equipment in constrained spaces
  • BIM, total station layout, and extensive prefabrication to streamline installation
  • Sustainability incorporated during early collaboration, supporting a 3-Star Climate Champion rating

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Rock Lake Solar

Aerial view of the Rock Lake Solar project in Waterloo, Wisconsin, showing rows of solar panels arranged in multiple large sections surrounded by fall foliage.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Rock Lake Solar

Jefferson County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Waterloo, WI

CLIENT

OneEnergy Renewables

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

OneEnergy Renewables

SIZE

5.7 MWDC

The Rock Lake Solar project is a 5.7 MWDC utility scale installation located in Waterloo, Wisconsin and developed by OneEnergy Renewables. Westphal & Company delivered the full construction scope for the site, beginning with civil site work and trenching to prepare the array for pile installation and structural foundations. The project occupies a highly visible location just north of Interstate 94, near the Lake Mills exit, making it a prominent example of regional clean energy development.

Once piles and racking foundations were in place, Westphal crews installed the solar modules, completed DC string wiring and made final electrical connections at the inverter pads and utility transformer locations. All circuits were tested and documented, with QA/QC processes carried throughout construction to support system reliability and long-term performance.

Key Project Highlights

  • 5.7 MWDC utility scale solar array in Waterloo, Wisconsin
  • Civil work and trenching completed prior to pile installation
  • Full module installation and DC string wiring
  • Final terminations at inverters and transformer pads
  • Comprehensive circuit testing and QA/QC during installation
  • High-visibility installation along Interstate 94

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Bridges Elementary School

Aerial image showing completed rooftop solar arrays across the Bridges Elementary School buildings and playground areas.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

bridges elementary school

Sauk County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Sauk City, WI

CLIENT

Sauk Prairie School District

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Westphal & Company

SIZE

200 kW
Aerial view of rooftop solar arrays installed on multiple sections of the Bridges Elementary School campus.
Aerial image showing completed rooftop solar arrays across the Bridges Elementary School buildings and playground areas.
Three Westphal & Company electricians standing with a solar panel during rooftop solar installation at Bridges Elementary School in Sauk City, Wisconsin.
Rows of ballasted solar panels installed across the rooftop of Bridges Elementary School with crews working in the background.
Westphal electricians securing rooftop solar panels as part of the Bridges Elementary School installation.
Two Westphal electricians standing beside rooftop solar equipment during installation at Bridges Elementary School.

The Bridges Elementary School solar project in Sauk City Wisconsin is a 200 kW ballasted rooftop installation delivered for the Sauk Prairie School District. Awarded through a competitive bidding process, Westphal & Company served as the EPC contractor, providing engineering, procurement and construction services for the full system. Racking, ballast, modules and balance of system components were craned to the roof, with ballast stone swept away from beneath the racking before placement. The racking and ballast block were set directly on the roof membrane to support the ballasted array design.

Once the mechanical installation was complete, Westphal’s team installed the solar modules and routed all DC wiring to the inverters. From the inverters, AC power is delivered to the school’s main distribution panel to help offset power purchased from the local utility. Two Sauk City graduates worked on the project as electrical apprentices, providing a direct connection between the school community and the installation. The system was completed in the summer of 2025, and a ribbon cutting held on September 9, 2025 celebrated the activation of the new rooftop solar array.

Key Project Highlights

  • 200 kW ballasted rooftop solar array in Sauk City, Wisconsin
  • EPC delivery by Westphal & Company for the Sauk Prairie School District
  • Materials craned to the roof, with ballast stone cleared prior to racking placement
  • DC wiring routed to inverters, with AC power tied into the school’s main distribution panel
  • Involvement of two Sauk City graduates as electrical apprentices during construction
  • System completed in summer 2025, with a ribbon cutting on September 9, 2025

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Spring Brook Solar

Aerial view of the 6.9 MWDC Spring Brook Solar array in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Spring brook solar

Walworth County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Whitewater, WI

CLIENT

OneEnergy Renewables

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

OneEnergy Renewables

SIZE

6.9 MWDC
Aerial view of the 6.9 MWDC Spring Brook Solar array in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Aerial view of the inverter skid and transformer assembly at the Spring Brook Solar project in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Aerial view of the utility interconnection structures and overhead equipment at the Spring Brook Solar site in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

The Spring Brook Solar Project is a 6.9 MWDC installation developed by OneEnergy Renewables and constructed in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The project required both civil and electrical expertise, making it a multi-disciplinary scope well suited to Westphal & Company. Crews began with the civil site work and trenching needed to prepare the array for pile installation and cable routing. Once the pile foundations were in place, Westphal provided mechanical installation of the modules across the full layout of the site.

The electrical installation included DC string wiring, inverter connections and terminations at the utility transformer pads. Each circuit was tested and documented as part of the project’s quality-assurance process, ensuring reliability and compliance throughout construction. The combination of civil preparation, mechanical assembly and full electrical installation highlights Westphal’s integrated capabilities in utility scale solar delivery.

Key Project Highlights

  • 6.9 MWDC utility scale solar project in Whitewater, Wisconsin
  • Developed by OneEnergy Renewables
  • Civil scope included site work and trenching prior to pile installation
  • Mechanical installation of modules across the array
  • DC string wiring, inverter terminations and transformer pad connections
  • Full testing and QA/QC processes completed throughout the schedule

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Albany Solar

Aerial view of the Albany Solar project in Green County, Wisconsin, showing multiple solar panel arrays spread across open farmland.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Albany Solar

Green County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Albany, WI

CLIENT

Burns & MacDonald

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Burns & MacDonald

SIZE

64.2 MWDC
Aerial view of the Albany Solar project in Green County, Wisconsin, showing multiple solar panel arrays spread across open farmland.

The Albany Solar Project brings 64.2 MWDC of renewable generation to Green County and contributes to the continued expansion of utility scale solar across southern Wisconsin. Working in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, Westphal & Company delivered the complete electrical installation for the site, managing system construction activities across a large multi-field layout. The project required coordinated planning and steady production to support the installation of major electrical components and conductor routing throughout the array.

Westphal’s crews installed all DC and AC cabling for the site, including combiner boxes, sectionalizing cabinets and disconnects. The team provided and installed string-level cabling through the final inverter terminations, managing both underground and above-ground conductors to meet project specifications. Electricians also installed and terminated the central inverters, SCADA fiber connections and control wiring, and completed the final electrical ties to the project’s power transformers, protection relays and control panels.

Key Project Highlights

  • 64.2 MWDC utility scale solar installation in Albany Wisconsin
  • Full electrical installation delivered by Westphal & Company
  • Constructed in partnership with Burns & McDonnell
  • Extensive underground and above-ground conductor routing
  • Central inverter, SCADA and transformer integration across a large site footprint

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Paddock Solar

Aerial view of the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Paddock Solar

Rock County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Beloit, WI

CLIENT

Burns & MacDonald

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Burns & MacDonald

SIZE

82.5 MWDC
Aerial view of the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.
Electricians installing wiring along solar panel rows at the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin.
Electrician performing wiring work on solar panels at the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin.
Westphal and Company solar construction crew at the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin.
Aerial view of the Bear Creek Solar Project in Lone Rock Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.

The Paddock Solar Project is an 82.5 MWDC installation and one of the largest renewable energy sites supported by Westphal & Company. Partnering with Burns & McDonnell, Westphal delivered the full electrical installation across the multi-field layout, installing DC and AC cabling, underground and above-ground conductors, sectionalizing cabinets, combiner boxes and disconnects. The scale of the project required strong workforce coordination and careful planning to maintain production across a broad construction area.

In addition to cabling and terminations, Westphal’s teams installed and commissioned central inverters, SCADA fiber connections, control wiring and the final electrical ties into the site’s main power transformers and protection equipment. The project demonstrates Westphal’s capability to execute high-volume, utility-scale solar construction on demanding schedules.

Key Project Highlights

  • 82.5 MWDC utility-scale solar installation
  • One of the largest solar sites supported by Westphal & Company
  • Full electrical scope completed in partnership with Burns & McDonnell
  • Multi-field layout requiring broad workforce coordination
  • Comprehensive inverter, SCADA and transformer integration

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Bear Creek Solar

Aerial view of the Bear Creek Solar Project in Lone Rock Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Bear Creek Solar

Sauk County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Lone Rock, WI

CLIENT

Burns & MacDonald

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Burns & MacDonald

SIZE

65 MWDC
Aerial view of the Bear Creek Solar Project in Lone Rock Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.

The Bear Creek Solar Project brings 65 MWDC of renewable energy to the Lone Rock area and spans a diverse landscape that required thoughtful construction planning. Working alongside Burns & McDonnell, Westphal & Company completed all electrical installation activities across the site, including DC and AC cabling, equipment installation and system terminations. The team managed both underground and above-ground conductor routes, ensuring proper installation even in areas with varied terrain.

Westphal’s crews also installed and terminated central inverters, control wiring and SCADA fiber, and completed the final connections needed to integrate the system with the transformers, protection relays and control equipment. The scale and site conditions required precise coordination to maintain quality and reliability throughout construction.

Key Project Highlights

  • 65 MWDC large-scale solar development
  • Electrical installation delivered by Westphal & Company
  • Constructed in partnership with Burns & McDonnell
  • Extensive underground and above-ground cabling work
  • Built across a diverse site footprint in Lone Rock

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Beaver Dam Solar

Aerial view of the Beaver Dam Solar Project showing large utility scale panel fields across the site in Beaver Dam Wisconsin.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Beaver Dam Solar

Dodge County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Beaver Dam, WI

CLIENT

Burns & MacDonald

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Burns & MacDonald

SIZE

64.2 MWDC
Aerial view of the Beaver Dam Solar Project showing large utility scale panel fields across the site in Beaver Dam Wisconsin.

At 64.2 MWDC, the Beaver Dam Solar Project represents one of the larger utility-scale solar installations in the region. Working with Burns & McDonnell, Westphal & Company delivered the complete electrical installation across the expansive site. This included installing DC and AC cabling, routing underground and above-ground conductors, setting combiner boxes and sectionalizing cabinets, and completing all equipment terminations, testing and documentation.

The size of the Beaver Dam project required strong coordination and sequencing to maintain efficiency across such a large footprint. Westphal’s crews supported the integration of central inverters, SCADA fiber connections, control wiring and final connections to power transformers, protection relays and control panels, ensuring the system was configured for reliable long-term output.

Key Project Highlights

  • 64.2 MWDC utility-scale solar installation
  • Full electrical scope delivered by Westphal & Company
  • Partnership with Burns & McDonnell
  • Extensive underground and above-ground conductor routing
  • Central inverter and SCADA system integration

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Hackbarth Solar

Aerial view of the utility scale solar array in Fort Atkinson Wisconsin.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Hackbarth Solar

Jefferson County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Fort Atkinson, WI

CLIENT

OneEnergy Renewable

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

OneEnergy Renewables

SIZE

5.7 MWDC
Aerial view of the utility scale solar array in Fort Atkinson Wisconsin.
Ground level view of solar panels on a tracking system at the Fort Atkinson solar site.
Westphal and Company solar construction crew at the Fort Atkinson solar project site.

Hackbarth Solar is a 5.7 MWDC installation located just north of Fort Atkinson along Highway 26. Developed by OneEnergy Renewables, the project features a layout built around string inverters feeding transformers near the north entrance of the site. As the installation contractor, Westphal & Company executed the full electrical scope and coordinated closely with the developer to support the project’s construction timeline and site requirements.

The location, visible from Highway 26, required efficient staging, careful safety planning and clear coordination across trades to ensure steady progress in a high-traffic area. Westphal delivered the full electrical installation required to bring the array online and ready for long-term operation.

Key Project Highlights

  • 5.7 MWDC utility-scale array developed by OneEnergy Renewables
  • String-inverter configuration with transformers positioned at the north entrance
  • Full electrical installation completed by Westphal & Company
  • Located adjacent to Highway 26 in Fort Atkinson
  • Supports regional commercial solar development

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Strix Solar

Aerial view of the Strix Solar 7.2 MWDC solar farm in Fitchburg, Wisconsin

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Strix Solar

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Fitchburg, WI

CLIENT

OneEnergy Renewables

Project Schedule

March 2024 - December 2024

The Strix Solar Project delivers 7.2 MWDC of renewable energy to the Fitchburg community and supports OneEnergy Renewables’ continued investment in Wisconsin’s clean energy landscape. As the construction partner, Westphal & Company oversaw the full buildout of the site, coordinating electrical installation activities and ensuring a smooth path from field mobilization to final system readiness. The project ran from March through December 2024 and reflects a collaborative approach to large-scale solar delivery within a growing region.

Strix required careful integration of equipment across the array to support long-term system performance. Westphal’s crews ensured that all electrical components were installed to meet the developer’s specifications and to support reliable operation within the local grid.

Key Project Highlights

  • 7.2 MWDC utility-scale solar installation
  • Full construction services delivered by Westphal & Company
  • Partnership with OneEnergy Renewables
  • Completed March–December 2024
  • Supports expanded renewable energy capacity in Fitchburg

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University of Wisconsin Kegonsa Solar Array

Aerial view of full UW Kegonsa Solar Array surrounded by farmland and research buildings

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

University of Wisconsin-kegonsa solar array

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Dunn, WI

CLIENT

University of Wisconsin

GC

SunVest Solar, LLC

Project Schedule

7/1/2024-3/1/2025
Aerial view of full UW Kegonsa Solar Array surrounded by farmland and research buildings
Students in safety gear touring agrivoltaic solar site near measurement tower
Students touring flexible solar tracker array and meteorological tower
Westphal & Company truck parked near inverter equipment at UW Kegonsa solar site
Aerial view of single axis solar tracking array at UW Kegonsa Solar Project
Elevated solar array structure with wide interrow spacing and vegetation
Overhead view of fixed tilt solar array at UW Kegonsa Solar Project

The UW Kegonsa Solar Array is a first-of-its-kind solar energy installation in Wisconsin, designed to support innovative research in agrivoltaics—the dual use of land for solar power generation and agricultural production. Located near UW Madison, the ground mount solar array was developed to help researchers evaluate the environmental impact and performance of solar arrays surrounded by a variety of plant species.

Westphal & Company provided full solar construction services for this unique renewable energy project, installing three distinct types of solar arrays across the site to support comparative research:

  • Fixed Axis Array
    This system includes 4,800 Heliene 530-watt solar modules, producing 2.54 MW DC and 2.0 MW AC. Mounted on DCI Racking at a 25° tilt, the fixed array features varied row spacing and embedment depths to accommodate plant diversity beneath and around the panels.

  • Single Axis Tracking Array
    Designed for optimal energy production, this 254.4 kW DC system includes 480 solar modules mounted on Array Technologies single axis trackers. It also features a 200 kW Solectria XGI inverter to convert solar power efficiently to AC.

  • Elevated Array
    With 144 solar panels elevated to allow for vegetation and instrumentation below, this 76.32 kW DC system supports advanced albedo monitoring and agrivoltaic research. The elevated racking provides 7’5” of ground clearance for flexibility in land use.

In total, the site includes 5,424 Heliene solar panels generating 2.87 MW DC and 2.25 MW AC, supported by Solectria inverters, ISU Volt Combiner Boxes, and an AlsoEnergy data acquisition system (DAS) for monitoring system performance.

The UW Kegonsa Solar Array stands as a model for future solar installations in Wisconsin and across the Midwest, advancing the understanding of how solar farms and agriculture can work hand in hand to create a more sustainable future.

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