Clean Energy Project:
Access MI Solar
Join us virtually on Thursday, April 13, 12-1 pm, via Zoom to learn more about the Access MI Solar Program.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83545066746
Groundwork is committed to increasing access to affordable solar energy in Northern Michigan. Through our group-buy program, Access MI Solar, we plan to increase local solar capacity, advance clean energy education, and work with community leaders to make this program a pillar of our region.
Key motivations for this program include addressing the climate crisis, increasing local energy security and resilience, and helping homeowners and small businesses to afford solar panels. Plus, going solar saves many customers significantly on their electric bill over time! We are empowering people to develop local, clean energy, and climate solutions!
The process is simple: We ask installers to offer a higher discount as more customers join the group-buy effort. Those discount rates are 5% with 4+ participating households, 10% with 7+ households and 15% with 10+ households. These discounts apply to the physical components of the system, not the design, permitting or installation. Last year, our program easily met the mark for the 15% discount!
This process starts with one or several potential customers requesting bids from installers. After we have received bids from several installers we will meet with the potential customers to decide on one installer to work with. Our customers have chosen to go with CBS solar, for a second year in a row!
Now, we are seeking any and all customers in the Traverse City and Petoskey areas to request their bid and join our program by April 22nd, 2023! We are committed to fostering local solutions to combat the climate crisis and ensure equitable access to resilient climate solutions. Increasing the amount of local solar generation will lower carbon emissions and will lead to increased grid reliability and increased energy security for our communities.
To learn more about Access MI Solar, please contact Liv Rollinger.
GET INVOLVED!
Resources
“Thank you so much for helping raise all of the funds for our solar project at Westwoods! Thanks to you, we reached our goal so much more quickly than I'd expected. So now I can move on to other things including other solar projects...”
— Nicola Philpott, President, Parent Teacher Organization, Westwoods Elementary School, Traverse City Area Public Schools
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
Access MI Solar News
Harnessing Power of the Sun, with Stunning View of the Glen Lakes
When Gary Cozette and Joe Lada climb the ladder to the roof of their “Tower House” near Maple City, they behold a breathtaking view of the Glen Lakes, with the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan in the distance. In their immediate foreground is an array of recently installed, cutting-edge solar panels that harness the power of the sun, represent their commitment to the environment, and make them energy independent. Their solar investment represents both a moral statement and a smart utilitarian choice.
Jim MacInnes, Northern Michigan’s Renewable Energy Resort CEO
Crystal Mountain near Thompsonville is not your average four-season resort, and Jim MacInnes is not your average CEO. He is a former electrical power engineer and a well-respected environmentalist, known throughout the state as a renewable energy advocate-one who preaches “green,” not only for moral reasons but because clean energy makes economic sense.
Skip Pruss Makes the Economic Case for Clean Energy
Our nation, our economy and our world are transitioning toward renewable energy. The momentum appears unstoppable, despite the inertia in our federal government. Here in Michigan, clean energy advocate Skip Pruss has been a leading prophet both predicting and instigating this movement.