Bogus Basin Embraces Clean Energy, Begins Solar Installation In The Base Area

Bogus Basin announced today its move toward clean energy, with the installation of seventy-one 405-Watt solar panels on the roof of the Rental Shop. The solar panels installed are projected to generate at least 32 MWh of electricity annually, covering approximately 70% of the building’s annual energy needs, or the equivalent of powering about three homes per year. This should offset approximately 10 metric tons of CO2e each year, or enough to offset nearly 800 trips to Bogus Basin.

This is not the first solar installation project at the non-profit mountain recreation area. In 2004, a group of dedicated volunteers and community members came together to light 6.2 kilometers of Nordic trails at Bogus Basin. After twenty years of service, the system was no longer viable. That’s when the vision for a new, larger, and more sustainable solar-powered lighting system began to take shape. Alan Russell, a member of the Bogus Basin Board of Directors and Senior Engineer at Clēnera, connected the organization with the Boise-based renewable energy company, which would later generously donate solar panels for the project.

Clēnera donated 210, Risen 405-W, solar panels and a 40 foot Conex Shipping container to house the solar panels, while the area prepares to install the remaining panels elsewhere on the mountain. In total, Clēnera donated over $55,000 in goods and services.

“Partnering with Bogus Basin on this and future solar projects is exciting to me, both personally and professionally. Their dedication to improving the mountain as an accessible community resource perfectly aligns with Clēnera’s drive to make America’s solar resources accessible to homes across the country. I learned to ski at Bogus Basin and have been riding the mountain bike trails since they were built, so it is exciting to be a part of this project to make operations on the mountain more sustainable.” said Adam Pishl, Clēnera CEO and President

EGT Solar, a Boise-based solar installation company, generously donated $10,000 in labor to install seventy-one solar panels on the Rental Shop. PLATT Electric provided much of the essential electrical wiring and hardware, with additional support from Codale and CED. Sungrow, a company partnered with Clēnera, contributed the system’s inverters — critical components for converting solar energy into usable power. The project was further supported by a $10,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to assist in advancing Bogus Basin’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

“EGT Solar is honored to support Bogus Basin’s bold commitment to clean energy and sustainability.” added Rob Black, CEO of EGT Solar

Bogus Basin joined the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Climate Challenge in 2023 and maintains a strong focus on sustainability through reductions in waste and emissions.

“We are committed to making measurable emissions reduction projects each year as well as investing in solutions to increase the mountain’s resiliency in the face of climate change.” said  Nate Collins, Sustainability and Stewardship Coordinator

Previous Emissions reduction projects:

• Upgraded lighting in lodges to LED lighting and added occupancy sensors
• Developed a recycling and composting system for both guests and mountain operations
• Added Electric Snowmobiles to our machinery fleet
• Piloted a Renewable Diesel project
• Resiliency Projects:
• Snowmaking
• Forest health projects
• Native plant restoration

Sustainability At Bogus Basin

Future Solar Plans

Bogus Basin is evaluating sites for the next phase of solar development. Potential sites include the Frontier Point Nordic Center, as well as the Pioneer Lodge. The team is also evaluating standalone arrays and off-grid systems to support mountain operations.

“What’s really cool about this, and with many of our other sustainability projects, is how there are so many community partners involved. Our hope is to continue this community-based collaborative approach for future projects and welcome other organizations and volunteers who want to partner on the next phases.” said  Nate Collins, Sustainability and Stewardship Coordinator

The area invites sponsors, companies, community members, and volunteers interested in partnering on future solar or sustainability projects to contact the Sustainability and Stewardship team.

“When organizations come together with shared values and a vision for the future, real progress happens — and our team is proud to have contributed time, resources, and expertise to be a part of that change. We look forward to building on this momentum and supporting Bogus Basin’s future solar initiatives.” concluded Rob Black, CEO of EGT Solar