The visitor center, concessions, park offices, and staff housing at Isle Royale’s Washington Harbor/Ozaagaateng (formerly known as Windigo), one of the busiest areas of the island, will be powered by solar starting in the 2026 visitor season. The transition from diesel to solar is thanks to upgraded solar supported by the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, with key funding from the National Park Foundation.
“As one of the most remote National Parks, Isle Royale has much to gain from embracing solar power but also faces challenges due its distance from the mainland,” said NPLSF Executive Director Tom Irvine. “Besides the environmental benefits, this project is also dramatically reducing operating costs of the park.”
The move to solar required upgrading an old solar array on the site that had fallen into disrepair, leaving the entire island powered by fossil fuel that needed to be brought in by boat, creating a potential for spills and other hazards, according to NPLSF. The group says the upgraded solar electric system is expected to provide a 50-75 percent fuel cost savings and will allow the island to take its oldest generators out of circulation, improving overall maintenance costs for generator repairs.
“Park staff trained permanent and seasonal staff on electrical safety, solar installations, wiring methods, battery system installation and mechanical skills during the work accomplished to date,” said Craig Buttke, the “Power Ranger” electrician for both Isle Royale and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. “This provides parks staff with better working knowledge and understanding of the systems they will maintain and operate.”
The move from fossil fuel to solar will also reduce carbon emissions and noise, which will improve the overall visitor experience.
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