Solar Array To Support Most Of Morton Arboretum's Electricity Needs, Officials Say

LISLE, IL — Crews have begun work to install an onsite solar array that aims to satisfy most of the electrical needs for Morton Arboretum.

The array will be installed on a hillside that faces south in an effort to minimize land usage. It's estimated the array will use about half of the land used by typical solar arrays, but will generate over three million kilowatt-hours of solar energy each year.

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"The Morton Arboretum is leading by example," Morton Arboretum President and CEO Jill Koski said in a statement.

Koski added, "We strive to model sustainable practices for other arboreta, public gardens and community members. This solar array represents one aspect of our multifaceted commitment to environmental leadership and will make our operations more sustainable for decades to come."

Madison Energy Infrastructure is handling the construction and operation of the solar array. The arboretum hopes the system will help illustrate how other organizations can sustainably source energy.