STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A unique feature is coming to one of Stevens Point’s new city parks.
Mayor Mike Wiza has announced a solar canopy shelter in Groholski Park. Wiza explains that the canopy is designed around the solar panels, instead of the other way around. “The entire structure is supporting those panels. It is, first and foremost, a park shelter.”
The panels are expected to generate up to seven megawatts per hour on average, which Wiza says should be enough to provide the park’s needs and support a pair of public EV charging stations. “If you happen to be there going for a walk, enjoying the ten acres of natural forest area, or if you’re there for a birthday party you can plug in. It’s not a primary function, but as long as we have the capacity we are going to do it.”
When the park is idle, they can also sell some of the power back to the grid. Wiza says he doesn’t expect that to be a money-making venture for the city, but it is an added bonus. “We just want to have enough electricity for us to use.”
The structure was funded through a grant program. Wiza notes that it is one of the first of its kind in the state, and while it won’t solve the world’s energy problems he says it is an example of a small thing that can be done to help.
“We all need to do our part. I get that it’s not for everybody and some people take it way too seriously. The bottom line is it is an option for you. If you don’t like it, don’t use it- same with anything else.”
Other topics Mayor Wiza discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- Riverfront Rendezvous
9:00- Solar infrastructure in Groholski Park
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