Yosemite Gets Largest Solar Project of All National Parks

Over $4 million in federal stimulus grants has gone to Yosemite National Park for a photovoltaic power system. It is expected to generate 800,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. Reportedly it could save up to about $100,000 per year by reducing electrical consumption from the grid by twelve percent.

Construction at the El Portal installation site will begin next month. Solar panels will be added to rooftops of existing buildings and to shade structures that will be built at the same time. The El Portal site was chosen due to the high amount of sunlight it receives. It is located near the western side of the park, and slightly south of the midpoint. The Merced River is very close by, and is quite striking with rushing water, waterfalls and many boulders.

“This energy-saving photovoltaic project reflects Yosemite National Park’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy sources,” said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher.

The stimulus money will also fund solar projects at other national parks such as Death Valley, Golden Gate National Park and Point Reyes National Seashore.

Paragon Industrial Applications will complete the project. They are located in Atascadero, California.

Image Credit: AngMoKio

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Portland N.

12:52PM PST on Feb 24, 2012

It is nice that our society is making changes in its lifestyle, but will it be fast enough for all species?

send a green star

Judith E.

12:41PM PST on Feb 19, 2012

Solar lives! :D

J.L. A.

9:22AM PST on Feb 15, 2012

Marvelous planning to minimize visual impact, too!

tammy B.

4:38AM PST on Feb 6, 2012

thank you for the article

Matt W.

8:10AM PDT on Sep 2, 2011

Let's see ... $5MIL to save $50K per year? Really? Never mind the annoying humming the solar project emits. And we think this is a good use of money because ...?? 88% of the Park is still powered by conventional electricity. With the bankruptcy of Solyndra this week after a $535MIL Federal loan, when are we going to say, "Enough."?
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-solar-shutdown-20110901,0,5045155.story

Jennifer C.

6:42AM PDT on Aug 8, 2011

Amazing! Thanks for posting.

Chris R.

3:21PM PDT on Aug 3, 2011

Awesome, thanks Jake!~

Abbe A.

4:02AM PDT on Jul 11, 2011

Excellent

Dave C.

5:41PM PDT on Jul 10, 2011

wow!!!! wonderful!!!

we have already been impressed by the solar powered bathrooms at several national parks...now this will be even better.....