Red Feather Lakes Community Library Solar
The Red Feather Lakes Community Library solar project will provide community power and energy resilience for residents during forest fires and power outages! With the help of Sandbox Solar Project Manager, Danny Weaver, the North 40 Mountain Alliance Principle Officer, John Parker, and the Poudre Valley REA, our team will complete this challenging Red Feather solar project this fall!
Red Feather Lakes Community Library Solar System Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Fall of 2023
This library is unique and vital to the Red Feather community. Not only does it provide the essentials for learning, research, creativity, and fun, but this library will now act as a safe haven during emergencies and power outages for the Red Feather Lakes residents. According to The Colorado Sun, 5,618 wildfires are reported in Colorado each year.
Microgrid System Components
- Generator 45 kW propane
- Rooftop Solar 10 kW
- Solar Carport 6 kW
- Solar Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) 60 kW
- Electric Vehicle Chargers (2) 40A
How was the Red Feather Community Library Solar Project Possible?
This solar project was made possible by John Parker and the North 40 Mountain Alliance, a non-profit organization headquartered at the Red Feather Lakes Community Library. They act as liaisons between the residents and the first responders during local emergencies. The North 40 Mountain Alliance received a grant from the EBSCO, which annually awards three grants to libraries nationwide.
Sandbox Solar considered several aspects during the construction of this solar power system. These included covering the electrical load of the entire library, enabling self-sufficiency and savings on their utility bill. In addition, we provided a 60kW battery energy storage system to power the library during grid outages. Should the batteries be depleted, the 45 kW backup generator can power the library throughout the rest of the blackout. Lastly, each feature is equipped with smart technology to improve the interaction between the components and the monitoring system.
With unpredictable Red Feather weather, constant subcontractor communications, and near-impossible permitting requirements, Sandbox Solar and the North 40 Mountain Alliance have worked on this project since the Cameron Peaks Fire in 2018. Thanks to the patience, persistence, and incredible work ethic of our team, we constructed a solar array that will withstand any emergency, keeping the lights on and communication constant, ensuring the safety and security of each Red Feather Lakes resident.
For information on funding for resilience projects, head to Colorado Wildlife Prevention and Forest Health Management Grants for Colorado Communities
Words from Sandbox...
Not only was this a great project for the Red Feather Lakes community, but it also meant a lot to Sandbox Solar! Here are some words from our Project Manager.
“As someone who has always spent a lot of time in the mountains, designing and installing a system in Redfeather is always a pleasure. The people are all so friendly and excellent to work with, including folks visiting the library who just wanted to ask questions about the solar project. Also, the Main Street Delicatessen has the best sub sandwiches I’ve ever had, so be sure to stop in and grab one! ”
– Danny Weaver
Contact Sandbox Solar to learn more about microgrids, battery energy storage systems, and creating resilience centers can contact Sandbox Solar. We want to you to be resilient during emergencies.
