GREEN SPACE: Incentives and, yes, sun grow Michigan Solar Solutions

Solar power generation is not just possible in Michigan, it's extremely viable -- despite what skeptics staring at clouds might think. "Many people think that solar won't work in Michigan because it's too cold and it doesn't get as much sun as other places, but that’s misconstrued," explains Mark Hagerty, president of Michigan Solar Solutions. "Michigan has an average of 4.2 hours of peak sunlight per day each year, while Florida, the 'Sunshine State' only has about five hours. Solar panels are less efficient the hotter they get and actually produce more power when it gets cooler. While the Southwest may get more hours of sun, the panels produce less voltage per peak hour because of the heat."

Hagerty is determined to spread the news about Michigan's solar potential, and already is reaping the benefits of the rise in attention to renewable energy. For instance, this month, Solar Solutions is doing as much business as it did in all of 2008. Why? Because of what Hagerty describes as a "perfect storm."

Incentives are continually growing: DTE Energy recently launched Solar Currents, which reimburses customers for construction costs (at a rate of $2.40 per watt) within 60 days of inspected installation and then will continue to pay an ongoing rate of $0.11 per kWh of generation.

Add in the federal tax reimbursement worth about a third of the cost of installation and, if you're lucky enough to be located in Farmington Hills, where the city added a local incentive good for up to $7,000 for the installation of a solar system, it is possible to see 100% of a solar project cost funded.

Hagerty is also seeing an upswing in solar companies locating here, particularly along the I-75 corridor, due to a trained workforce, proximity to other alternative energy companies, and excellent state tax incentives. "This is very promising for the future of our state," he says.

Read more about solar incentives and Solar Solutions at their website, and read about a handful of local projects here.

Source: Mark Hagerty, Michigan Solar Solutions
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh