Solar panels are still a rare sight in Michigan, but some folks and organizations in our region are working to change that. Local solar contractors and advocates are meeting with us here at Groundwork to figure out how to pick up the pace of putting panels on homes around Traverse City and Frankfort.
With the solar industry taking off across the country and Congress extending a big, game-changing solar “discount” now is the perfect time to go solar. Putting a solar system on your home or business is more affordable than ever.
A little over a month ago, leaders from almost 200 countries approved an agreement that basically says, “We’ve got a serious climate problem and an unprecedented opportunity; we will work together to solve it for the benefit of humanity.”
All the fussin’ and fightin’ over Michigan’s energy future hits a crucial round today or Wednesday: The state House votes on two lousy energy bills, HB 4297 and HB 4298. So it’s time to give your state rep a well-informed earful about clean energy.
Mary Van Valin is a force of nature. A retired math teacher, Mary now spends her retirement helping to transform the Traverse City area into an equitable, resilient, thriving community. In the two month since I met her, Mary has launched an EV group purchase effort, taught 4th and 5th graders how to make small solar panels for doing experiments in math and science, brought close to 200 people to the State to see a live feed of the Pope addressing Congress, and attended a March for Justice in Detroit.
When it comes to clean energy, Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain Resort, is the definition of pioneer and early adopter. He’s gradually transformed the beautiful golf, skiing, and conference center near Thompsonville into a remarkably green, energy-efficient operation. He’s deeply involved in trying to improve the state’s clean energy policies; and he regularly hosts a statewide conference focused on building a more sustainable economy in Michigan.