Bridger Bowl Ski Area

Bridger Bowl Ski Area, Bozeman's beloved local ski resort, installs a 50 kW solar array near the mid-mountain lodge.
Nonprofit
50kW array next to Deer Park Chalet
Client Name:
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Location:
Bozeman, MT
Date Installed:
October 23, 2019
Warranty:
25 Year Power Output Warranty, 20 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
Production:
68,515 kWh
Inverter:
Fronius Symo 12 kW Three Phase Inverter (x4)
Mount:
MT Solar 40 Top (x4)
Panels:
REC 320 Watt Twin Peak 2 Mono Series Modules (x 160)
Power:
50 kW

Client Profile

Bridger Bowl Ski Area was established in the 1950s as a 501(c)(4) non-profit that operates on a combination of private land and a special use permit agreement with the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The local community of stakeholder's love of the ski area and stewardship of the private and public land has long instilled a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental best practices in Bridger Bowl's mission. Bridger Bowl had contacted OnSite Energy about the potential for incorporating solar energy on the mountain back in 2007, but at that point the cost of solar was still prohibitively high. However, over the past decade the cost to install solar has dropped more that 70%, and by the time that Bridger Bowl reconnected with OSE on the topic in 2019 it was finally in realm of possibilities.

Case Study

As a non-profit Bridger Bowl was eligible to apply and receive funding through the NorthWestern Energy Efficiency Plus (E+) Renewable Energy Program. The program is established with Universal System Benefits Program funds collected from all NorthWestern Energy customers in Montana.

FAQs

What is a backup battery, and how does it work?

  • A backup battery stores excess energy produced by your solar panels and provides power during outages or at night.

Why should I add a backup battery to my solar system?

  • Batteries provide energy independence, ensure power during outages, and allow you to maximize your solar energy usage.

Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

  • Yes, many backup batteries can be integrated with existing solar systems, but compatibility depends on your current setup.

Will my battery work in Montana’s cold winters?

  • Many modern batteries are designed to operate in cold climates. Some may require installation in a temperature-controlled space or come with integrated heating.