Milford resident John Carter, civil engineer with Power Panel, Inc., explained how the solar panel installation works on top of the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti at 720 Norris Street. The panels provide hot water in addition to electricity for the building.
Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com
The Solar Ypsilanti Coalition is hoping it can convince the city council to set an aggressive goal to install 1,000 solar roofs by 2020 and 2,000 by 2030, which it believes may stimulate the local economy.
"When you look at the economic benefits of solar there are really many different places it could boost the local economy," said Environment Michigan representative Virginia Shannon. "For the city level, setting a bold level goal attracts investors and already the conversation around Ypsilanti is attacting investors."
The Solar Ypsilanti Coalition is a partnership between Environment Michigan and the Solar Ypsi organization that was started by Ypsilanti resident Dave Strenski.
Monday, local businesses, solar experts and community organizations will discuss a new report detailing how Ypsilanti can become a “solar destination.”
The report will explain how increasing solar installations on city buildings, residencies, and businesses will bring both environmental and economic benefits.
The report also identifies key policies that should be put in place for the city to reach 1,000 solar roofs by 2020.
The following speakers will address the potential for Ypsilanti to be a leader in solar, as well as the environmental and economic benefits of going solar:
- David Konkle, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
- Dave Strenski, SolarYpsi
- Corinne Sikorski, Ypsilanti Food Co-op
- Matt Greff, Corner Brewery co-owner
- Virginia Shannon, Environment Michigan
Strenski, who was instrumental in getting panels placed on top of the Ypsilanti City Hall and other locations, said he thinks the goal is worth standing behind.
"I think it's a great idea," Strenski said. "When they first said it, I said there's no way we can do it, but they convinced me along the way."
Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber said he supports the idea of solar energy, but wants to see the report before deciding whether he'll get behind installing 1,000 solar roofs.
"I think its all part of Ypsilanti being a destination college town and solar technology, I think it’s an emerging technology. If you’re going to be a college town, it's good to be on the cusp of emerging technology."
The average payback for a resident who places solar panels on their roofs is about nine and a half years, according to officials.
"I think economically if you're looking at plain economics, I don't think it makes that much of a difference, but if you're looking at being a leader in technology, those are the kinds of things Ypsilanti wants," Schreiber said.
Financing continues to be one of the largest challenges against solar energy, but Shannon said she believes the economic benefits eventually outweigh the costs.
"When you look at the economic benefits of solar there are really many different places it could boost the local economy," Shannon said. "There’s a permeating process that generates revenue into the city. Similarly at the state level, solar businesses and installers pay payroll taxes and operating costs. As we build up demand, there’s a grow that follows into the economy."
Shannon said eventually her organization wants to expand their goal across the state, but Ypsilanti and Lansing are the starting points of a larger project to have 100,000 solar roofs by 2020.
"I think it really builds on the story of Ypsilanti becoming a solar destination," Shannon said. "Ypsilanti has a huge amount of potential for solar energy and has truly been leading the way in solar installations and building community support."
The Monday event starts at 12 p.m., at the Ypsilanti Food Co-op at 312 N. River St..
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.