Natural Bridge Caverns (the Caverns) is now powered by the one resource never seen underground – the sun! In Phase One of a multiphase project, the Caverns has installed their first 108-kilowatt Mission Solar Modules with a potential annual solar production of 155,321 kWh. This green energy production replaces the burning of 123,299 pounds of coal, reducing our carbon footprint by 110 metric tons. The installation will offset 80% of the power needed for the entire Discovery Village above ground complex – the equivalent of 15 homes.  Mission Solar Modules are engineered and built in San Antonio. Big Sun Solar worked with the team on the design and installation of the solar array which also serves double duty as a solar canopy. (video here)

To our knowledge Natural Bridge Caverns is the first show cave in the Texas to adopt solar power for its above ground operations. The Caverns also employs robust backup systems from Caterpillar to ensure complete power generation capabilities year-round. These systems operate even when the power grid goes down so guests will not be in the dark while enjoying the spectacular beauty of the cavern.

The solar install itself was not without its challenges. The in-house team had to trench 620 feet through solid rock to connect to CPS Energy service from the array.  Location of the array and trenching was carefully chosen to avoid impact on the cavern below ground.

Future phases of solar projects are in the planning phases now.