Going Solar

Boyne Mountain is making strides in reducing the resort's environmental impact at every level of resort operations. We've established an organizing committee, methodology, and objectives to offset all on-site greenhouse gases, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and invest in renewable energy. Our ForeverProject is about accountability and the understanding of environmental impacts through reporting and training, as well as the action to achieve our goals.

Last year, our resort upgraded the Menerga computer system in Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark to allow more control of energy usage, significant cost savings of electric and gas, and ultimately operate at a higher level of efficiency. Next on the ForeverProject timeline was the installation of a solar array at Boyne Mountain Resort. Well, it's been happening, and the project is nearing completion! The installation is located just north of the resort, across M-75, adjacent to the sports fields. 

We got a chance to chat with the CMS Energy subsidiary, who has been working with Boyne Mountain Resort on the project. They were able to answer a few questions, to help us better understand how solar panels work! Here is what we learned:

"Why doesn't it work well in Michigan? Don't we have the same sun as others?"

While it is true that MI doesn't get as much sunshine as California or Arizona, there is enough sunshine to make the project economically viable, while reducing the carbon footprint of Boyne Resorts by 11%

"Does this benefit the village/township in any way?"

The solar array will generate tax revenue for the township over the life of the project. Additionally, it would be a great educational resource for local school districts.

"What impact will this have on existing land and the environment?"

A pollinator garden with native species will be established underneath and around the solar panels to further improve the natural habitat. Additionally, there is no damage or permanent impact to the land. Once/if the solar array is retired, the land will be reestablished to its original state.

"Is this a grid system? Is there a battery backup?"

There is no battery backup included at this time. The grid will continue to supply power during times when solar array is not producing. We will surely consider batteries once costs come down.

"I would imagine the system is grid-tied...if not, batteries."

The grid will continue to supply power to the resort during times when solar is not producing.

"The life span of these things are probably less than 30 years and were very energy dependent to make. They will pollute landfills with heavy metals when they are retired. But sure, we can all feel good about it now."

The life span of solar panels ranges from 25-35 years and the panels will be recycled after that, with very few components reaching the landfill.

"How does it fare in a hailstorm? How about a wind sheer? Or don't you get those in your area?"

The system is designed to meet American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) site structural design parameters to withstand expected wind and snow loads for the area. Panels have the potential to be damaged during a severe hailstorm but any damages would be addressed immediately and severe hailstorms are not expected at a high frequency.

"How does snow affect the output?"

A significant snow fall could reduce the output of the solar array but panels are >3 feet off of the ground and any accumulation on the panels typically melts within a day or so after snowfall. In addition, panels installed in this array are bifacial meaning they can collect power on the backside which is increased with snow on the ground.

"How many batteries does it take to maintain this? Just curious. What an effort!"

There are no batteries included at this time.

"What do you use when panels are covered in snow? Out west, they have rolling brownouts and power failure."

The grid will continue to supply power during times when solar is not producing.