Chautauqua Lake Association Goes Green with Installation of Solar Panels

The Chautauqua Lake Association is going green with the recent installation of solar panels thanks to grants from state and local foundations. The solar panels are helping the Chautauqua Lake Association headquarters to save money on utilities and other operational costs.

“Crews recently installed a solar-panel system to take care of energy needs, thanks to a $90,300 state grant and local ones from the Chautauqua Community Region Foundation, HSBC of Buffalo and the Wilhelm Hoppe Family Trust of Reno, Nevada,” CLA General Manager Paul Swanson said. “The foundation contributions carried the balance so there was no expense to the Chautauqua Lake Association to install the new energy-saving panel.”

Swanson said the panels will allow the CLA's maintenance and office building to save about $4,000 a year. “By using solar power,” he said, “there will be decreased emissions. Whenever wind or solar power is used, it cuts on the amount of coal used and helps the environment.”

The association's mission is to provide effective and efficient lake maintenance services for the benefit of all Chautauqua Lake users by assisting with scientific study of the lake and its surrounding ecosystem, along with educating the community. Incorporated in 1953, it is run by volunteers and donations, along with funding from local, county and state governments.