Michigan solar industry set to increase 14% this year, long term not as clear.
Michigan solar is gaining, currently Michigan ranks 18th in the Country in terms of solar jobs. However, Michigan is in the top 10 states for good to great wind resources (steady strong winds). So, it would seem possible to have more jobs.
Most of the current solar growth has come from small projects developed and installed by smaller businesses.
With the change in Federal tax policy approved for 5 years; utilities and large entities can propose must larger projects. Michigan utilities have begun proposing investing in larger solar projects and want policy changes to favor them.
The policy changes mean eliminating net metering and allowing larger projects favorable treatment.
Michigan will be reviewing their energy policy and should strive to following successful states that favor local midsize and small projects over utility size projects. This means keeping net metering and expanding customer choice programs.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM and Index, Fixed pricing.
Additional Information:
http://midwestenergynews.com/2016/02/23/advocates-say-policy-changes-could-stunt-michigans-solar-job-growth/
http://realgyenergyservices.com/go-michigan/
http://realgyenergyservices.com/michigan-energy-overhaul-wont-happen-in-2015/
State Sen Kyle McCarter opposes wind energy project
The use of eminent domain; that is the forced purchase of private property for public benefit should be used with abundant caution. That is why it take public hearings and an unbiased review to determine what is in the public interest.
State Sen Kyle McCarter opposes wind energy project.
Last November the Illinois Commerce Commission determined that wind energy being generated in Kansas that would be transmitted to Missouri, Illinois and Indiana deserves the right to purchase the land to build a transmission tower to deliver over 4,000 MW of wind generated electricity. They approved the use of eminent domain so the independent company proposing to build this project can approach the landowners and know they can reach a deal. Without eminent domain a handful of property owners could have prevented this project from moving forward.
This project is innovative and will supply clean renewable and sustainable power. Such renewable power will diversify our power generation and help us avoid price spikes from reliance on just natural gas, coal or oil.
Realgy supports the project and other independent energy companies that are doing such great work.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM and Index, Fixed pricing.
Additional Information:
http://madisonrecord.com/stories/510658825-mccarter-opposes-eminent-domain-in-wind-energy-project
http://www.grainbeltexpresscleanline.com/site/page/project_description
Wind power…in all 50 states
Look outside: chances are you don’t see a wind turbine or a fifty story building. But, chances are, within 5 years, you will see a fifty story wind turbine!
Currently, the United States produces about 65 gigawatts across 38 states. However given the recent gains in technology, the Energy Department forecasts that wind power could contribute 16,150 gigawatts…this is 10x more power than we currently consume!
So will wind power drive our future. In will certainly be a growing contribution and here is why:
1. Climate change: the warmer the climate the more wind is produced
2. Larger Scale: as wind turbine design grows the economics for large scale development improve
3. Smaller Scale: new technology allows for efficient small deployment (think 1-2 homes)
Climate change is driving weather changes. These weather changes are becoming more pronounced. Weather forecasting is showing that current trends will continue resulting in wind speeds that provide for larger scale wind turbines.
Larger scale: Currently, the largest wind turbines are 260 feet. The higher the wind turbine reaches, the faster the wind blows so getting larger means you can install a wind turbine and compete with the economics of coal. Current designs are being planned for 460 feet; that’s nearly as tall as a fifty story building.
Smaller scale: a wind turbines without spinning blades! It looks like asparagus but rises between 25-100 feet depending on location. The trunk of the column spins (no blades) and the power is generated in the base. This type of wind turbine is safe for use in residential neighborhoods.
As we learn: With change comes opportunity and certainly power development and climate is changing.
Keep looking for the wind turbines, they are coming.
Realgy Energy Services provides power to Illinois customers that is produced from renewable resources such as solar, wind and hydro (water). It’s called ManagedGreenTM; it’s priced slightly below the utility cost of service and provides health and environmental benefits. Consider that the average mid-west home uses about 10,859 kWh/year if that power comes from Realgy’s ManagedGreenTM service it would result in the following benefits:
1. Reduction in 29,295 lbs. of coal/year
a. 7,595 lbs. of CO2 NOT emitted
b. No sulfur, lead or waste emissions
c. 29 fewer trucks on the road
2. Equivalent of 584 trees planted
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Additional information: www.realgyenergyservices.com
Links to contributing articles:
http://www.iflscience.com/technology/new-bladeless-wind-turbine-looks-asparagus