Project Title: Install Photovoltaic System (FFS #R6DA)

State: Montana

Initial Project Description: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided funds for a solar energy system that was recently installed at the Ennis National Fish Hatchery in Ennis, Montana. The photovoltaic system project, completed mid-October 2009, will help the hatchery achieve compliance with federal environmental regulations.

The Ennis National Fish Hatchery is part of the National Broodstock Program. It produces approximately 20 million rainbow trout eggs annually for research facilities; universities; and federal, state, and tribal hatcheries in 23 states. The facility creates 5 million angler days and generates $50 million per year. The hatchery produced 350,000 fingerling rainbow trout and used over 30,000 kilowatt-hours of energy last year.

The photovoltaic system will satisfy 75 percent of the station’s energy needs and has the potential to contribute excess energy back to the power grid. The Service must comply with energy goals set up by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which requires Federal agencies to obtain five percent of their total energy from renewable sources from 2010-2012, and 7.5 percent in the years following 2012.

May 2011 Project Update: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contracted Shanks Electric Corporation, a company based in Helendale, California, to install a photovoltaic system at Ennis National Fish Hatchery. Shanks Electric Corporation completed the project in November 2009. The new photovoltaic system powers 75% of the facility’s energy needs through the use of approximately 100 solar panels.

For additional information about this facility, visit the Ennis National Fish Hatchery website.

News Releases: Recovery Act Gives Ennis Hatchery Some Green to Go Green

Photos:

Originally posted 09/16/2009
Updated 10/02/2009
Updated 10/07/2009
Updated 10/27/2009
Updated 11/06/2009
Page Completed 05/06/2011