Power Restored on Goat Island

Presented by Tim Fraser, Board of Directors

After a two-year hiatus, when the submarine cable providing electricity to the Island failed, KCT is proud to announce a significant and successful investment in solar panels and batteries which allowed the lighthouse keepers house to be fully functional this summer.

Goat Island Lighthouse was established in 1833 for navigational safety with the lighthouse beacon being originally lit by burning whale oil. It has been operational for the past 191 years. While the lighthouse light is managed by the U.S. Coast guard, the island, lighthouse and the lighthouse keepers’ home are now owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust., and since 1993, Scott and Karen Dombrowski have served as KCT’s lighthouse keepers. The lighthouse is still in use as an essential navigational aid and has also been open to the public for visits during the summer months.

Modern power was first brought to Goat Island in the early 1950’s via a submarine cable. The original cable was replaced in the 1980's and given a projected 30-year lifespan. It was operational until 2022, when it failed for good. The light in the lighthouse and the foghorn remained functional thanks to a solar array and battery bank which was installed by the U. S. Coast Guard in 2008, however the island keepers’ home was left without power for the first time in nearly 70 years.

In February of 2024, after careful consideration, much research, and many lengthy discussions, the KCT Board of Directors voted to proceed with a proposal to install solar panels to re-power the lighthouse keepers’ home. Solar was selected after taking into consideration the environmental benefits involved, the permit time and expense of going with another cable replacement, the fact that wind power was not dependable, and tidal power for that small scale was not available. The solar option provides a more economical power source which will be backed up by battery.

The Maine-based company Assured Solar was secured to do the work, which was done in time for the fourth of July tradition of illuminating the home and lighthouse for Independence Day. The Trust extends its most sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who donated to the cause or helped to bring Goat Island back to life and light. We are grateful. Let the light shine on!

Written by Shelley Wigglesworth