Saphouse Solar Update

By Rob Terry, Executive Director

The panels are on the roof, the lines are nestled in their underground conduit, and the service into the Sap House is ready to be energized. In the upcoming weeks, the electricians will be wrapping up some labeling and the system will receive its final inspection. Once we’ve been given the thumbs up, the switch will be flipped. At that moment, the Sap House will be connected to the grid, and the 15-kW solar installation on the roof will begin generating electricity. Thankfully, in spite of some COVID related supply chain delays, the project will be complete in time for sugaring season. This is an important detail because, in the past, we have been reliant on a propane generator to function as the power plant for the Reverse Osmosis filter (RO). Starting this year, we’ll be able to let the generator sit idly by and watch as clean, renewable energy from the sun coupled with sustainably harvested wood from our forest power the operation.

Sap to Tap Update

As you can see, we are getting ready for 2021’s sap to syrup program. May it stay cold for now. Come late February, let it start to thaw, so the sap can start to flow!