The Ripley’s aquarium of the Smokies is now producing solar electricity.

The aquarium installed three solar panels late last year.

“As a Green Power participant, we are proud supporters of locally generated, renewable resources,” said Jay Bryan, Director of Maintenance and Engineering for Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

It’s part of the “Green Power Switch” which is a program run by the TVA.

The solar panels reduce the amount of energy that the aquarium uses and Ripley’s says the move will help reduce its carbon footprint.

“Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the few producers in Tennessee that is able to utilize the power that is being generated,” added Bryan. “This is a very exciting project and is a win-win situation. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, we are constantly striving to be better stewards of our planet. Ripley’s Entertainment is constantly exploring and implementing different technologies to improve our operations and guest experience” said Bryan.

Ripley’s Aquarium is the first business in Gatlinburg to install solar panels.

Source: http://www.wbir.com/news/ripleys-aquarium-now-producing-solar-energy/27187185