Coming soon: Solar panels at the Michigan Theater

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

The sun will be shining on Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater -- hopefully directly on its future solar panels.

XSeed Energy is a community-supported energy project managed by the Clean Energy Coalition. It is partnering with the city of Ann Arbor to fund the installation of a line of solar panels on the iconic theater's south wall, if the city's Historic District Commission approves the plan as expected next Thursday.

The Michigan Theater is a good location because of its high visibility, both figuratively and literally, says Clean Energy Coalition project manager Bonnie Bona. Not only will the solar panels be visible from the street, which will hopefully encourage people to think about installing their own panels, but the theater is patronized by many people who could then learn about the project.

"It's really exciting to take this concept of solar power in Ann Arbor and do it not just subtly on someone's residential roof, but to do it right downtown where you can see it," she says.

The panels will be installed on a non-character-defining wall. "If it were a defining wall, we wouldn't even attempt to do it."

Also playing into the decision was willingness on the part of the Michigan Theater and a reduction of operating costs; as a nonprofit, the company doesn't qualify for tax credits for investing in renewable energy. Bids for installation will be solicited soon after approval. "If we get approval from (the historical district commission), we'll be full-speed ahead," she says.

Those dismissing Michigan, with its cool and cloudy days, as having good potential for solar energy should think twice -- in fact, cooler days means more energy is absorbed into the panels than reflected out. "They're better than you think," Bona states.

She sees the future of renewable energy taking two courses: efficiency in the form of better-sealing homes, and conservation. Changing attitudes coupled with financial incentives also help get people interested in renewable energy.

Proceeds from financial incentives and donations for XSeed Energy will be recycled back into an account to fund ongoing solar installations.

Source: Bonnie Bona, project manager for the Clean Energy Coalition
Writer: Kristin Lukowski