Beatrice Lang
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in Utah, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring miles of sandstone hoodoo spires, colourful rocks, and surreal rock formations. The park offers a range of camping options, from primitive sites to full hook-ups with water and electricity. In recent years, the park has made strides towards sustainability and the adoption of renewable energy sources. The Bryce Canyon Solar Array, for example, generates electricity using Concentrating PhotoVoltaic (CPV) technology, showcasing the park's commitment to ecological responsibility and reducing its carbon footprint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity | Solar panels are used to generate electricity |
| Solar panels | The solar panels are designed to educate and inspire |
| Solar panels | The solar panels are used to generate electricity from Concentrating PhotoVoltaics (CPV) technology |
| Solar panels | The solar panels track the sun using dual-axis trackers |
| Shuttle | The shuttle is optional and reduces traffic congestion |
| Shuttle | The shuttle reduces air pollution and minimizes habitat disruption |
| Shuttle | The shuttle contributes to improved air quality and lower carbon emissions |
| Shuttle | The shuttle has been serving visitors since 1999 |
| Water | The climate is classified as an "Alpine Desert" |
| Water | Water Conservation Program in place |
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What You'll Learn
Bryce Canyon National Park's solar array
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah decided to take its Visitors Center and main operational offices to zero net energy (ZNE) before the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary in 2016. With over 1.5 million visitors to the park annually, the park wanted a solar power solution that would educate and inspire visitors, setting a new standard for ecologically responsible solar.
The Bryce Canyon team educated themselves on solar power products and organized a competitive bid process. The result was the Bryce Canyon Solar Array, which consists of two dual-axis trackers that follow the sun throughout each day and every season with telescope-like precision. This precision is required because, unlike regular photovoltaic panels, the Concentrating PhotoVoltaic (CPV) technology used in the array does not generate electricity from ambient light. Instead, the array uses a Fresnel lens to concentrate sunlight, and tiny triple-junction chips to convert it to electricity.
The sun alignment has to be within 1-2 degrees for the system to work optimally. When installed in sunny locations, CPV technology outperforms all other kinds of solar energy in terms of sunlight conversion efficiency and energy density (kilowatts/acre). The array operates at 140 kW per hour and peaks at 150 kW, generating more energy than can be stored in batteries. As a result, excess energy is returned to the grid, and any unused energy is reclaimed at night or during periods of low sunlight.
The success of the Bryce Canyon Solar Array has inspired park leadership to encourage the adoption of similar public and private solar installations worldwide. Virtual tours of the array are available on YouTube, and the park has received positive reviews for the visual and educational impact of the installation.
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The park's electricity from solar panels
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah has adopted a sustainable approach to energy generation by harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels. The park's leadership has embraced the use of solar energy, not only to meet their energy needs but also to set an example of ecological responsibility. The journey towards achieving zero net energy at the park is a testament to their commitment.
The Bryce Canyon Solar Array is at the heart of this sustainable initiative. It consists of two dual-axis trackers that precisely follow the sun's path throughout the day and across seasons. This technology, known as Concentrating PhotoVoltaic (CPV), requires precise sun alignment to function optimally. The sun's rays are concentrated through a Fresnel lens, and tiny triple-junction chips convert the sunlight into electricity. This system is significantly more efficient than traditional photovoltaic panels, which rely on ambient light.
The solar panels installed at the park are manufactured in the USA and are designed with a minimal permanent interface to the ground. The use of dual-axis trackers not only meets the energy generation needs of the park but also adds a kinetic "sunflower" effect to the panels. This innovative design feature enhances the visual appeal of the arrays, creating a sense of movement and curiosity among visitors. The installation process began in the spring of 2015, and the Visitor Center achieved zero net energy status soon after commissioning.
The Bryce Canyon Solar Array generates an impressive amount of energy, often exceeding the energy consumption of the Visitor Center. On a sunny day, the array can produce more than twice the energy required by the center, resulting in excess energy being returned to the grid. This surplus energy creates an energy credit that can be reclaimed during periods of lower solar generation, such as at night or on cloudy days. The park's leadership is eager to share the success of this project, encouraging the adoption of similar sustainable practices in other public and private installations around the world.
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The park's electricity consumption
Bryce Canyon National Park, located in Utah, is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually. The park offers a range of camping options, from primitive sites to full hook-ups with water and electricity.
In recent years, the park has made a concerted effort to reduce its environmental impact and move towards zero net energy. This initiative includes the implementation of solar power solutions, with the installation of the Bryce Canyon Solar Array, consisting of dual-axis trackers that follow the sun throughout the day, generating electricity using Concentrating PhotoVoltaic (CPV) technology.
The solar array is designed to meet the energy needs of the park's Visitor Center and main operational offices, with any excess energy returned to the grid. On sunny days, the array can generate more than twice the energy consumed by the Visitor Center, providing the park with energy credits that can be reclaimed during periods of lower solar generation.
In addition to the solar array, the park has introduced a shuttle system to reduce traffic congestion and minimize habitat disruption caused by extensive road networks. The shuttle service is optional for visitors but helps reduce the number of private vehicles in the park, contributing to improved air quality and lower carbon emissions.
The park's sustainability initiatives also extend to water conservation, particularly important in the region's alpine desert climate. Efforts to reduce water usage include encouraging guests to reuse towels and providing the option to change sheets every three days unless otherwise requested.
Through these comprehensive sustainability initiatives, Bryce Canyon National Park is striving to reduce its environmental footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the park for future generations.
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The park's shuttle system
Bryce Canyon National Park has a shuttle system to help visitors get around the park. The shuttle buses run from 8 am to 6 pm in the spring, fall, and summer, and until 8 pm during the summer. Typically, buses come every 15 minutes, but there can be a wait of up to 20 minutes between buses during certain times of the day. The shuttle is seasonal, running from mid-April to mid-September.
The shuttle is a convenient way to get around the park, avoiding the hassle of traffic and parking. It is also a great option for hikers and bikers, as it stops at the visitor center and various viewpoints within the park. The shuttle is also free to use with a park entrance fee, and proof of admission must be shown to the driver when boarding. If you have an Interagency Annual, Access, or Lifetime Pass, you can show this to the driver instead.
The shuttle can be boarded in front of Ruby's Inn or at the Campground and RV Park. There is also parking available at the Bryce Canyon Shuttle Station, where visitors can leave their cars or RVs. Ruby's Inn also offers long-term parking along the east side of Main Street between Center Street and 100 North. It is important to note that vehicles over 23 feet or 7 meters in length are restricted from the Bryce Amphitheater during shuttle hours.
The Bryce Amphitheater Shuttle, a part of the park's mass transit system, helps to minimize vehicle congestion and its impacts on the park. By using the shuttle, visitors can help keep parking lots from expanding, air clean, and the park accessible for all to experience its magic.
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The park's water conservation program
Bryce Canyon National Park, located atop the Pansagaunt Plateau, has implemented a Water Conservation Program to address the challenges posed by its Alpine Desert climate. The park receives most of its annual precipitation in the winter as snow and during the short summer monsoon season in sparse storms.
The park's water conservation efforts include encouraging visitors to reuse towels and sheets during their stay, resulting in significant water and energy savings. Additionally, Ruby's Inn, the lodging facility within the park, prioritizes natural landscaping. They utilize native grasses, trees, and bushes that require minimal irrigation, preserving water resources.
The park also faces the challenge of protecting groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) that are threatened by a multidecadal drought and increased groundwater extraction due to rising tourism. These GDEs are home to unique species, such as aspen groves and fens, that contribute to the park's biodiversity. To address this, the park has partnered with the National Park Service to identify and map these ecosystems, using high-resolution imagery and satellite technology.
Furthermore, the park promotes sustainable practices beyond water conservation. It has invested in a solar array system that generates more than twice the energy used by the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center on a sunny day. This excess energy is returned to the grid, and the park accumulates energy credits that can be reclaimed during periods of lower solar generation. The park also offers a shuttle service for visitors, reducing traffic congestion and minimizing habitat disruption caused by extensive road networks. This initiative also contributes to improved air quality and lower carbon emissions, preserving the natural beauty of the park.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bryce Canyon National Park has electricity. The park has a solar array that generates electricity, with excess energy returned to the grid.
The solar array consists of two dual-axis trackers that follow the sun throughout the day and year. The sun alignment has to be within 1-2 degrees for the Fresnel lens to concentrate sunlight, and for the triple-junction chips to convert it to electricity.
The solar array generates more than twice the energy the Visitor Center uses on a sunny day, providing an energy credit that can be reclaimed at night or during cloudy weather. The project educates and inspires visitors about ecologically responsible solar power.
Yes, there is a shuttle system that reduces traffic congestion, minimizes habitat disruption, and lowers carbon emissions. Lodging providers also embrace efficient systems to reduce electrical consumption and implement water conservation programs.
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