Construction began this month on a solar array at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, that is expected to produce almost all of the organization’s annual electricity needs.

A rendering of the solar project that will be built at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois.

The planned solar array will be built on a south-facing hillside with the goal of increasing energy output while minimizing land use. Once completed, the installation will generate more than 3 million kWh annually, while reportedly using less than half the land required by traditional array configurations.

“The Morton Arboretum is leading by example,” said Jill Koski, Arboretum president and CEO. “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.”

By generating clean energy, the planned solar installation will reduce the Arboretum’s carbon footprint and demonstrate sustainable practices that benefit the very ecosystems the organization works to protect and study.

“As an environmental organization, we have the opportunity to inspire our one million annual visitors and the broader community by pursuing sustainability and conservation solutions in our operations,” said Rachel Novick, the Arboretum’s director of sustainability. “This multi-decade commitment illustrates our long-term dedication to environmental sustainability.”

The solar array will be built, owned and operated by Madison Energy Infrastructure.

“We’re proud to partner with The Morton Arboretum on this solar project,” said Ryan Coakley, chief development officer at Madison Energy Infrastructure.

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