Project Titles: Energy – Solar Photovoltaic (FFS #R2CA and #R2CH)

State: New Mexico

Project Description: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will enable Bosque del Apache and Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuges to install new solar arrays on multiple buildings within the refuge complexes.

The projects will increase energy efficiency and provide long-term cost savings by harnessing solar power. The solar arrays will generate renewable electricity in several buildings, including the visitor center at Bosque del Apache NWR, which also serves as the refuge’s headquarters.

The Service has chosen Sacred Power Inc. of Albuquerque, NM to build photovoltaic (PV) electric solar power generators on Bosque Del Apache and Sevilleta NWRs. The Native American owned company will build and install the 15K generators, which should greatly reduce refuge dependency on the power grid. They have a warranty of 20 years, yet are expected to last much longer. Solar power is a great fit for New Mexico refuges due to the state’s 300+ days of sunshine yearly. The Service expects the work to be completed by early summer of 2010.

August 2010 Project Update: The PV solar generators have been installed, and are producing an excess of clean, zero impact energy for the refuge on a daily basis.

Video: Bosque del Apache — ARRA Green Energy Projects
Watch an interview with Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Manager Tom Melanson to learn more about the solar photovoltaic project at the Refuge!

Photos:

Two photovoltaic solar power generators have been installed at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.

The generators were installed by Sacred Power Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M.

Feature Story: Native American Company Receives $355,000 in Stimulus Funding for Renewable Energy Project

Press Releases:

• Recovery Act Funds $250,000 Solar Energy Projects for Bosque del Apache, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuges
• Recovery Act Awards $354,497 Solar Energy Projects for Bosque del Apache, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuges

Originally posted 09/18/2009
Updated 09/30/2009
Updated 10/28/2009
Updated 12/22/2009
Updated 01/05/2010
Updated 08/12/2010