Operating a 100 year old and newly restored Movie Palace and Performing Arts center uses a lot of energy. It’s been a goal of The Garden for years to make use of our extensive roof space to support a greener Garden, a greener Frankfort and a greener planet. We’re partnering with the great folks at CBS Solar, who design and assemble solar systems right here in Northern Michigan to create a "Solar Garden at The Garden" and we need your help!
Our goal is to install 120 solar panels on the newly restored roof of The Garden which will generate approximately 58,000 kWh in power annually. Given how The Garden operates we’re only expecting to be able to tap into 20% of that total, which means that 80% of the energy generated through our solar panels will go back into the grid. We are estimating our yearly savings in utility costs will be in excess of $6000 which will allow The Garden to put additional funds into our programming, which in turn will provide more music, film, art and cultural events you’ve come to know and love.
Now is your chance to buy a solar panel (or many) to support a greener future for The Garden and provide an annuity for operations by reducing our utility expense - truly a win, win, win proposition. The project can be done in phases and our goal is to install an initial 80 panels in the summer of 2024 and we cannot wait to host the celebration party when the switch is on for The Solar Garden!