The games take place from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, at UW-Green Bay's Kress Events Center, 2420 Nicolet Drive. The event, sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Service Community Foundation and UW-Green Bay, is free and open to the public.

For the sixth consecutive year, a record number of schools will participate. The Solar Olympics has grown from fewer than 10 participating schools a decade ago to more than two-dozen teams.

Twelve activities — ranging from building solar devices to creating art with a solar theme to making solar cookers and model cars — test students' knowledge of solar energy.

Schools attending this year include:

• Antigo High School • Ashwaubenon High School • Bay Port High School • Beecher Dunbar Pembine High School • Brillion High School • Chilton High School • D.C. Everest High School, Schofield • Denmark High School • De Pere High School • Green Bay Southwest • Green Bay West High School • Kewaunee High School • Lourdes High School, Oshkosh.

• Marathon High School • Marinette High School • Merrill High School • Oconto High School • Oshkosh West High School • Pacelli High School, Stevens Point • Peshtigo High School • Pulaski High School • Rhinelander High School • Valders High School • Wausau West High School • Wausaukee High School • West De Pere High School • Wrightstown High School.

"We're just thrilled with the participation," said Chip Bircher, Renewable Energy Product Manager for Wisconsin Public Service. "The enthusiasm these high school kids show for learning about their environment and how to take advantage of solar renewable energy is an affirmation of the importance that WPS Community Foundation places on environmental stewardship. Renewable energy is supported by our communities and customers, and the Solar Olympics is a great way for everyone to learn more."

To prepare for the Solar Olympics, high school teams design and construct a variety of solar-powered devices, including a cooker, water heater, and model racecar. The students will display and demonstrate their inventions at the Olympics. Also, the students will compete in a "solar jeopardy" quiz game and events for building design, marketing campaign, T-shirt design, sculpture, photography, public presentations and an essay contest.

Judges for Solar Olympics come from local businesses, the UW System, Green Bay businesses and Wisconsin Public Service.

The Solar Olympics will be held rain or shine this year with the availability of an indoor location.

Solar Olympics Schedule - Wednesday, May 14:

9:00 a.m. or earlier — Students arrive at UWGB Kress Events Center, Gymnasium

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. — Set up equipment

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. — Opening ceremony, UW-Green Bay Kress Events Center, Gymnasium

10:00 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. — Event judging and campus tour of renewable energy facilities
*The Solar Sprint model solar car race takes place from 10:35 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. outside the Gymnasium.

12:20 - 1:00 p.m. — Lunch

1:10 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. — Solar Jeopardy, UW-Green Bay Kress Events Center, Gymnasium

1:40 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. — Clean-up

2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Awards ceremony, UW-Green Bay Kress Events Center, Gymnasium