In late 2019, SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers installed our second solar (micro)generation project at Historic Barns Park! After completing a build-out analysis, solar pathway and road lighting was flagged as one of the top strategies to bring the Park to net-zero carbon.

Six light fixtures were piloted at the Park for consideration in larger capital campaigns. They are International Dark Sky Association compliant and 100% solar powered. Each light fixture operates independently and is not “tied to the electric grid,” meaning they can be installed nearly anywhere with no need to bury wires!

Most of the lights were placed near the Cathedral Barn to guide foot traffic for evening events. Venue Manager Stephanie Wiitala said, “The new lighting is a solution that is providing safer and easier night time navigation; I truly appreciate SEEDS initiative and coordination.”

“It was very cool to see a project like this through from the start to finish! I really enjoyed seeing the collaboration of all the partners in that space.” – Morgan Vondruska, AmeriCorps VISTA

The first solar installation by SEEDS at the Park is a 4.5-kilowatt panel that frequently generates more than enough electricity to power both the Cathedral Barn and Farming irrigation. “If users like these lights, then park partners know which fixtures to spec for installation across the Park,” said Executive Director Sarna Salzman.

See the Dark Sky sign here.