A pump which provides water to the SEEDS Farm and the Traverse City Community Gardens at the Historic Barns Park has been solarized. The project was supported with funding from the Consumers Energy Foundation. Northwestern Michigan college donated the 12 solar panels and Mike Schmerl of Panoramic Electric donated time and expertise to make the project possible with a $4,000 buget.

When producing more than enough electricity to power the water pump, the panels will offset the electrical consumption of the nearby Cathedral Barn.

“This is a very small part of a larger vision to add energy efficiency and renewable technology installations across Historic Barns Park,” says Sarna Salzman, executive director of SEEDS. “This ‘Energy Farm’ will result in smaller utility bills for the Park’s partners and also provide tangible ways for the public to get further engaged."