Farmers Market Goes Green (Pontiac Farmers Market?)

Posted: Sunday, 01 June 2008 2:28PM

Ann Arbor Farmers Market Going Solar

A major solar energy installation is set to begin at the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market, marking the City of Ann Arbor’s most substantial solar initiative to date.

Phase I renovations will include the installation of new roof materials and 156 solar panels on the market’s northerly shed structure, capable of powering the entire facility -- the equivalent of five homes. The 10 kW solar photovoltaic system will generate about $1,500 worth of electricity per year and bring the city closer to its goal of 20 percent renewable energy for the Ann Arbor community by 2015. Funded by a donation from the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, the Solar Project should be operational as early as July.

The U.S. Department of Energy will join Mayor John Hieftje and other city officials at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 2 at the Farmers’ Market, 315 Detroit St., to kick-off the solar initiative. Also in recognition of Ann Arbor’s efforts in going solar, DOE’s Steven Palmeri will present city officials with an official Solar America City sign as well as highlight the city’s efforts in helping lead the U.S. in advancing solar power technologies. Ann Arbor is one of 25 cities in the nation to be named by DOE a Solar America City.

DOE will also make a formal presentation to City Council at the evening’s Council meeting, 7 p.m. in Ann Arbor City Hall City Council Chambers.

The City of Ann Arbor is receiving $200,000 in federal funds and an additional $200,000 in technical support from DOE to implement a $632,000 community-wide program to promote renewable, solar energy in the city. DOE will provide hands-on assistance from technical experts to help integrate solar technologies into city energy planning, zoning and facilities; to streamline city-level regulations and practices that affect solar adoption by residents and local businesses; and promote solar technology among residents and local businesses through outreach, curriculum development and incentive programs.

For additional details on the city’s numerous solar and other energy-related initiatives, visit the city’s Energy Office Web site at www.a2gov.org/energy. For information on DOE’s Solar America Cities program, visit www.solaramericacities.org.

© MMVIII WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved.