A solar array on the roof of the Trail Ridge Store was specially designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions seen on the road above treeline in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Trail Ridge Road — which crosses the Continental Divide as it connects Estes Park and Grand Lake, reaches 12,187 feet, includes 11 miles above treeline and climbs 4,000 feet in mere minutes — experiences up to 20 feet of snow in the winter and is known for its crazy, changing weather.

And now, at 11,798 feet, where the store is open typically from Memorial Day to Columbus Day because of weather, a solar array captures the power of the sun.

“They are designed to withstand that,” said John Hannon, management specialist for business programs at Rocky Mountain National Park. “They’re designed for installation in hurricane force winds. They should be able to take the snow load as well.”

The company that has the contract to run the store, Xanterra Travel Collection, said in a press release that the solar array was designed by Independent Power Systems to withstand the bitter cold and snow, and during the winter season, reputed 100-plus mph winds.

Read the full story on reporterherald.com.