New fire code regulations include specifications for rooftop PV systems
Solar Professional magazine recently published a couple of articles detailing updated fire code regulations that take rooftop PV systems into account. Check out the article on commercial buildings here and the article on pitched-roof buildings here.
Holland BPW raises net metering limit for co-generation facilities to 550kW
The Holland, MI, Board of Public Works recently enacted a distributed generation program for customer-owned power generation, allowing them to connect to the BPW distribution system. Previously, the net metering limit was only 30kW, but the BPW has raised this limit to 550kW! More information is available in the Holland BPW Electric Rate Book.
What is a smart meter and how does renewable energy play into the need for smart grid meters?
Michigan’s climate isn’t perfect for producing solar-generated electricity, but federal incentives and a favorable rate by Consumers Energy have led to what will be a major solar panel installation at Torresen Marine.
New Poll Highlights Strong Support for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency in Michigan
A poll released by the newly-formed Michigan Conservative Energy Forum shows strong support for tripling Michigan’s commitment to renewable energy by 2035, as well as stronger state targets for energy efficiency. The poll found that 75% of Michigan voters support increasing Michigan’s renewable portfolio standard to 30% by 2035, something that Governor Snyder’s recent energy data gathering process showed was both technologically and financially feasible, and that three out of four voters prefer candidates who want “to promote more use of clean, renewable energy such as wind or solar power” over candidates who support more traditional energy sources such as coal. The poll also found that 84% of voters – including 74% of Republicans and 66% of self-identified Tea Party voters – favored more energy efficiency programs. The survey of 600 Michigan voters was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from Dec. 9-11 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
West Michigan coal plant would get closer look under Consumers agreement
The closure date of a large coal plant along the Lake Michigan shoreline could be moved up under a proposed settlement agreement between Consumers Energy and multiple environmental and energy groups.