[font face=Serif][font size=4]Solar Energy and Michigan[/font]
[font size=3]One of the most commonly raised questions, when discussing the potential for solar in Michigan, is whether it is viable given our fluctuating weather and seasonal conditions. Despite the fact that Michigan is not known for its abundant sunshine like the southwestern states, the opportunity to harness energy from the sun in Michigan is great.
Germany, for example, is not particularly sunny, but due to its solar advancement policies and programs, has put solar to the test in a setting that experiences lower levels of sun access than Michigan (see map, previous page). From its southern to northern border, Germany’s latitude runs from 48 to 54 degrees. In Michigan, the highest latitude in the state is 47 degrees (Houghton, Upper Peninsula). The highest latitude in the Lower Peninsula is 45 degrees (Mackinaw City) and the lowest is 41 degrees (New Buffalo). Yet, despite having less access to solar radiation, Germany is setting the global record for solar power production.
Germany, the world’s leader in solar energy generation, receives about as much sunlight as the state of Alaska, yet Germany has 80 times more solar power feeding the grid than the U.S.3 In Germany, the solar- promoting policies and generous government subsidies provided to the industry are main contributors to solar energy flourishing there. Closer to home, New Jersey is a great example of a state that is not especially sunny, but has one of the fastest growing solar markets in the nation. In New Jersey, the governor’s Energy Master Plan set strong solar policies that are launching their solar adoption initiative.
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[font face=Serif][font size=5]MICHIGAN’S FIRST COMMUNITY SOLAR PROGRAM: SOLAR UP NORTH ALLIANCE (SUN)[/font]
[font size=3]The first Community Solar program is currently underway in Michigan, and officially started on April 15, 2013. Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Traverse City Light and Power (TCL&P) have partnered to offer the Solar Up North (SUN) Alliance to their members. Cherryland is an electric cooperative with 33,000 members and TCL&P is a municipal utility with 12,000 members. As municipal and co-op electric companies, they are not restricted by MPSC regulations and can simply choose to offer a Community Solar program if they feel it is in the best interest of their members.
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