Yosemite National Park unveils new Solar Energy Program

Yosemite National Park Holds Unveils Largest Solar Energy System in the

                              National Parks

       $5.8 Million Photovoltaic Project in El Portal Grid Connected

                            and Producing Power

What:

Yosemite National Park is dedicating a brand-new, state of the art, photovoltaic (solar) system at the El Portal Administrative Complex.  This is the largest grid-connected photovoltaic system operated by the National Park Service.  The 672 kilowatt (KW) system consists of 2,800 solar panels and produces an estimated 800,000 kilowatt hours (KWh) per year.  The electricity generated by the grid is estimated to reduce the amount of electricity purchased by Yosemite National Park by almost 12 percent.

When:             Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

Where:      El Portal Administration Complex, Approximately two miles west

            of park entrance on Highway 140 - Look for Park Ranger at “NPS

            Warehouse” sign for directions to media parking

Who:

   ·  Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher

   ·  Representatives from offices of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and

      U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-19th)

   ·  Lee Stetson, District I Supervisor, Mariposa County Board of

      Supervisors

   ·  Representatives from solar equipment manufacturers, contractors, and

      PG&E

Photo Ops:

   ·  First-hand look at functioning 672 kilowatt solar system currently

      producing renewable energy

   ·  Officials cutting ceremonial ribbon marking the official project

      completion

   ·  Interviews with Project Designers, Project Managers, Park Officials,

      Elected Officials, and others responsible for this landmark project

   ·  Tour of solar energy system within the El Portal Complex

                                   -NPS-

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