Bringing Clean Energy to Your Mountain
The team is excited to share that your local mountain has taken a significant step toward a more sustainable future with the recent installation of seventy-one 405-watt solar panels on the roof of the Rental Shop. This exciting development reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to embrace clean energy and reduce our carbon footprint.
- Solar Panels Donated
- 210
- Solar Panels Installed
- 71
- Metric Tons Co2 Offset
- 10
Projections indicate that these new solar panels will generate at least 32 MWh of electricity annually, 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 annually – that’s enough to offset nearly 800 trips to Bogus Basin!!
Sustainability Initiatives
In 2023, we joined the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Climate Challenge — a voluntary program that supports ski areas in setting and achieving sustainability goals. Since then, your local mountain has deepened its commitment to environmental responsibility by focusing on measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and overall waste. Through a combination of innovative practices, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, we continue to prioritize sustainable operations and environmental stewardship as core values in our year-round mission.
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
Your Local Mountain – Powered by Solar
This isn’t the first time solar energy has lit up the mountain. In 2004, a group of passionate volunteers came together to install lights along 6.2 kilometers of Nordic trails. After two decades of service, the system had run its course. That’s when the idea for a bigger, more sustainable solar-powered upgrade started to take shape.
“Generous volunteers donated thousands of hours to build the longest renewable-energy lighted ski trail system in North America. Like the founders of Bogus Basin, the Nordic volunteers unselfishly gave their time and expertise to create recreational trails for the Treasure Valley.”
Eve Chandler, Author of Building Bogus Basin
Not long after, a Bogus Basin board member connected us with Clēnera, a Boise-based renewable energy company, which generously donated the solar panels that made this project possible.
Community Partners
In the spirit of the community coming together to improve their local mountain, businesses from the Treasure Valley and beyond helped supply the resources necessary for us to continue reaching our sustainability and energy efficiency goals. Meaningful partnerships demonstrate the power of companies coming together to invest in a cleaner, more energy-resilient future for our mountain community.
If you or your company is interested in partnering on future solar or sustainability projects, contact us!
Clēnera
Clēnera donated 210 Risen 405-watt solar panels along with a 40-foot Conex shipping container to securely store the equipment while we prepare to install the remaining panels at other designated locations on the mountain.
This contribution, valued at over $55,000 in goods and services, laid the foundation for a cleaner, greener future at Bogus Basin.
“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.”
Adam Pishl, Clēnera CEO and President
EGT Solar
EGT Solar, a Boise-based solar installation company, contributed $10,000 worth of professional labor toward the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Rental Shop. They also helped connect us with additional partners who supplied the necessary equipment to bring the project to life, showcasing the power of local collaboration and a shared commitment to clean energy.
“EGT Solar is honored to support Bogus Basin’s bold commitment to clean energy and sustainability. 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.”
Rob Black, CEO of EGT Solar
The skilled EGT team played a critical role in bringing this renewable energy project to life, donating their time and expertise to ensure the system was installed efficiently and to the highest standards.
Platt Electric
Codale, CED, and PLATT Electric provided additional support by donating essential equipment and hardware, including electrical wiring and racking systems for the solar panel installation.
Sungrow
Sungrow, a company partnered with Clēnera, contributed the system’s inverters – critical components for converting solar energy into usable power.
Wells Fargo FOundation
A $10,000 grant awarded by the Wells Fargo Foundation helped accelerate our efforts to integrate renewable energy solutions and implement environmentally responsible practices across the mountain.
Future Clean Energy Projects
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.
“Electricity is one of our largest sources of gross greenhouse gas emissions, which we have been historically purchasing RECs from Idaho Power to offset. On-site solar is a tangible and visual offset for these emissions.”
Nate Collins, Sustainability and Stewardship Coordinator
Stay tuned for upcoming project announcements at your local mountain!
About Bogus Basin Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to engaging the community to provide accessible, affordable, and fun year-round mountain recreation and education. Opened in 1942, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of daytime skiable terrain and 200 acres for night skiing, seven chairlifts and three people-mover carpets, and an 800-foot tubing hill. The Nordic Center offers 37 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. Environmental education and community outreach programs, primarily youth, serve over 20,000 individuals annually. Summer activities include The Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, The Mine Shaft Challenge Course, mountain biking, events, hiking and chairlift service for hike and bike transport. Bogus Basin is located 16.5 miles north of Boise, Idaho, and operates under a special use permit with the Boise National Forest. www.bogusbasin.org
