An Eco-Friendly Lodge - Elk Lake Resort Generates Its Own Power Using Alternative Energy Sources.

Long before private homeowners began exploring sources of alternative energy, Elk Lake Resort was well on the path to energy efficiency. In Issue #62 (December 1997 / January 1998) Home Power Magazine covered the efforts being made by our Western Montana Lodge to make it more eco-friendly. A portion of the article is included below:

". . .The solitude and grandeur of the place is overwhelming. . .The lodge had a pelton wheel generator at one time, the remnants of which still lie in a shed. . .In 1982, the owner at the time decided (with some prompting from the Forest Service) to stop using the 150 kw Caterpillar diesel generator as much and reduce the size of the fuel storage tank. . .

"The Resort serves meals, has cabin lodging, and quite a few visitors. Refrigeration, water pressure, lights, and other amenities were required. . . Beginning in late 1996, the first serious solar charging was added. . .[A] wind generator was added to help in the spring and winter when winds are very reliable. . .

"Finally, in August of 1997, most of the old freezers and fridges were replaced by a Vestfrost fridge in the bar and 3 Vestfront freezers and the large reach-in cooler left. . .The overall generator load was reduced by 60% simply by changing from conventional equipment to low energy appliances. . .

"Four years after the original suggestions for a renewable energy system and low energy appliances, the vision is becoming a reality due mainly to forward thinking owners with an eye on the future, not just the bottom line. This may be a lesson for us all. A dollar spent on renewable energy in today's energy market may be worth much more in a future where every drop of energy may be as precious as clean water is today. . ."

For the full text of the actual article, check out Home Power Magazine where you can download a copy.