• Green Building News
  • Posts
  • Solar, Batteries & the Future of Resilient Buildings with Jesse Michalski

Solar, Batteries & the Future of Resilient Buildings with Jesse Michalski

Author

Charlie Cichetti
June 04, 2026

TODAY’S EPISODE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BUILDINGPLAQUES.COM

QUICK TAKE

Most schools talk about sustainability. Jesse Michalski helped build one that actually runs on it.

In this episode, the longtime electrician and renewable energy specialist breaks down how a Wisconsin middle school became a net-zero energy success story —without sacrificing practicality, ROI, or resilience.

🎧 LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Are you subscribed yet?

A MESSAGE FROM BUILDINGPLAQUES.COM

The Better Way To Present Your LEED Certified Project to The World

Using buildingplaques.com online Plaque Designer, you can quickly and easily design and order customized LEED recognition plaques that features the details of your specific LEED certified project.

Our architectural grade anodized aluminum signs are available in multiple sizes, and identify the elements of your design that earn LEED certification and acknowledge key project members, all while being less expensive than comparable LEED recognition plaque options.

Ready to create your own LEED recognition plaque?

🌱BREAKING GROUND ON BETTER BUILDING

[Key Insight #1] Net-zero buildings don’t happen by accident — they’re designed “solar ready” from day one

  • What's outdated: Many buildings attempt to add renewables after construction, forcing expensive retrofits, structural upgrades, and electrical redesigns.

  • The innovation: Jesse and his team worked with architects early in the Menasha Maplewood School project to ensure the building was structurally and electrically prepared for future solar and battery storage.

  • Impact: The school avoided costly retrofit work later, streamlined installation, and successfully delivered a net-zero energy facility with geothermal heating, solar power, and battery backup.

[Key Insight #2] Battery storage means different things depending on where you live

  • What's outdated: Building owners often assume batteries automatically create financial savings everywhere.

  • The innovation: Jesse explained how battery economics depend heavily on local utility policies and net metering rules. In Wisconsin, batteries are primarily used for resiliency and backup power, while in states like California they also help avoid losing excess solar generation to the grid.

  • Impact: Smart battery integration can provide backup power during outages, reduce generator maintenance, and maximize energy savings where utility pricing structures support it.

[Key Insight #3] The future of residential resiliency may already be parked in your driveway

  • What's outdated: Homeowners want resilient backup power systems but often struggle with battery costs and infrastructure decisions.

  • The innovation: Jesse highlighted the rise of vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing EV batteries to temporarily power homes during outages.

  • Impact: Homeowners may soon leverage existing EV batteries as whole-home backup systems, reducing the need for standalone storage investments while increasing grid flexibility.

♻️ YOUR GREEN BUILD CHALLENGE

Are you subscribed yet?

Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Green Building Matters Podcast is now exploring a select number of brand partnerships with organizations aligned with the future of sustainable building.
Reach the professionals shaping the industry—and do it with intention.

[email protected]

✅ CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast 

📄 Read the transcript: HERE

🔗 Connect with Jesse Michalski:

🤝 YOUR GREENCAST PARTNERS