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August 29, 2005M-TEC solar grid will be largest in northern MichiganSystem will serve as training labByRecord-Eagle business editor TRAVERSE CITY - The largest commercial solar electric power system in northern Michigan will be installed at the Michigan Technological Education Center campus. Northwestern Michigan College and Traverse City Light and Power are getting a $60,000 state energy grant as partners in a project to install a set of solar panels and related equipment at the M-TEC building along Aero Park Drive. NMC project coordinator Bill Queen said the system will serve as a training lab for solar installation technicians and for public education on solar technology. It also will connect to the city's electric grid and provide some power for the M-TEC building. The project will include a series of solar panels installed on the M-TEC roof as well as on the ground to be used for demonstrations, training and public viewing. The system will generate 10 kilowatts of electricity, about enough to power an average home. The grant is from the Department of Labor and Economic Growth's energy department and will cover about 60 percent of the estimated $100,000 cost. The college, utility and other in-kind donations will pay for the balance of the work, which is scheduled to begin this month and be completed by next July. Utility officials said they're excited about the collaborative effort with the college. "We're always looking for opportunities like this to expand out services and customer knowledge," said Jim Cooper, Light and Power's marketing manager. The state funds follow a $24,000 grant to NMC in January to set up a new energy demonstration center at the M-TEC campus.
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