Clean Energy

Success Stories

 

CERTs-Southeast: Clean Energy Resource Teams of SE Minnesota

Solar-Powered Restrooms in Austin City Park        

Centennial Park is the City of Austin's newest community park -- created on floodplain land where houses had been removed after flooding several years ago.  The park boasts a gazebo, playground equipment, basketball courts, and...off-the-grid restrooms! .

Solar panels mounted on the south side of the  building provide the electricity to operate the lights (outfitted with CFL bulbs, of course.)   The City contracted with Hunter Electric in  Brownsdale, MN, for installation of the solar panels at a total cost of $4,000.  

Dennis Maschka, Austin Parks &  Recreation Director  explained  " We made the decision to use photovoltaic panels because there will never be a utility bill. And it  makes sense for the  environment."  Maschka anticipates  that more solar panels will be used in future park projects. 

Centennial Park is located at the intersection of 2nd Street and 8th Avenue SE  near  downtown Austin, MN.