Emplify Health by Gundersen celebrates Mondovi Clinic solar array

Last week, officials at Emplify Health by Gundersen and its business partners gathered at the health system's Mondovi Clinic to celebrate the opening of a new solar array, which sits on land adjacent to the clinic and will provide 104 percent of its energy needs each year. Emplify Health by Gundersen opened the Mondovi Clinic in 2024.

"This solar project is so much more than just energy savings; it's a symbol of our dedication and commitment to sustaining rural healthcare in a way that truly honors the communities and conserves natural resources," said Heather Schimmers, president of Emplify Health. "It signals our long-term commitment to the folks of Mondovi and west-central Wisconsin."

By producing its own clean energy, the clinic will save nearly half a million dollars over the life of the panels, and according to Dan Coenen, administrator at Emplify Health by Gundersen Whitehall Hospital, that savings will go directly to patient care. Further, the solar array, which consists of 138 panels, will reduce carbon emissions by 72 tons each year. That's equivalent to taking 17 gasoline-powered cars off the road or planting 72 acres of trees.

"This solar array is a great example of our dedication to being good stewards of both our planet's resources and our financial resources," Coenen said. "And coupled with our outstanding Mondovi care team, it reflects our strong commitment to serving this community."

Nathan Franklin, Emplify Health's vice-president of sustainability, echoed Coenen's thoughts. He said sustainability isn't a buzz word, but a promise. It's a promise to care for the community, both its resources and its people. It's a way to serve and a way to make access to care as affordable as possible.

"This solar project, in partnership with this clinic and the hospital, is that promise in action," Franklin said. "Ground-mounted solar arrays like these are rare in healthcare, but we saw an opportunity to lead with innovation and responsibility."

Attendees that day were also able to get an up-close look at the panels and learn a little bit more about how they work. The panels officially went online and began producing energy in February, and according to officials, they have a lifespan of about 30 years.