Kolbe Completes Solar Panel Project to Offset Nearly One-Third of Plant’s Energy Use

Kolbe Windows & Doors recently completed the installation of a solar panel system on the roof of its central manufacturing facility in Wausau, Wisconsin. The 999.6-kilowatt (kW) alternative energy system, consisting of 2,061 photovoltaic panels, is expected to offset 31.8% of the plant’s current energy consumption.

Company officials said they worked closely with Northwind Solar in Amherst, Wisconsin, on the design and installation of the system. The installation began in 2024 and was partially funded by a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant as part of the Rural Energy for America program. The panels’ double-sided design captures sunlight, even after snowfall, by gathering reflected light through the underside of the panel.

“We are thrilled to be utilizing the unused space on the roof of our facility for something so impactful: increasing our operational efficiencies and reducing our carbon footprint,” says Kolbe president Jeff DeLonay. “This project represents a major part of our efforts to better serve our team, community and environment.”

In 2022, Kolbe installed a smaller 19.72-kW, 58-panel solar configuration on the roof of its innovation greenhouse in Wausau. Energy-related improvements include timer-controlled LED high bay lights, an optimized humidification system and air make-up units to enhance energy efficiency.