Sustainability September: Solar Array

“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”

Foreword, A Sand County Almanac

Sustainability September will highlight how Duke Farms serves as a model of environmental stewardship and ways that you can infuse practices in your home, community, and workplace that encourage a cleaner greener life for generations to come while also combating climate change.

Did you know that the scientific search for solar technology started way back in the 1700s? However, it wasn't until 1954 that three scientists created the first silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell, aka those blue-black panels that come to mind when you imagine a solar panel. These PV cells capture the sun's energy and convert it into electricity. A solar array is comprised of multiple PV solar cells that work together to replace conventional means of energy production. There's a solar array at Duke Farms, - it has 3,120 panels spanned over 2.7 acres and supplies 100% of the estimated electrical power at the site. Any unused energy is diverted into the public power grid. This sustainable energy source provides an opportunity to interpret and demonstrate to visitors the role that renewable energy plays in environmental stewardship.

Download the full PDF here.

This resource was created by Abigail Schmid and Kate Reilly.