Munising Township in Michigan has recently installed new solar panels, which have already shown significant energy cost savings. The township held an open house to introduce the new renewable energy resource to its residents. According to Lisa Howard, the Munising Township Supervisor, the solar panel system went online on October 1st and has saved the township hall $800 in energy costs from October to February compared to the same period last year.
The installation of the solar panels was a response to a power outage that occurred during last year’s May elections, which highlighted the need for an alternative source of energy. The $80,000 project has a 40% tax rebate, which is expected to reduce the payback period from nine years to five years. Joan Potter-Sommer, the Alger County Renewable Energy Solutions Chair, notes that solar energy is an investment that pays off, and the use of bi-facial panels has made solar energy more efficient, even in cold weather.
The municipality’s adoption of solar energy is seen as a leading example in promoting renewable energies in the county. Potter-Sommer emphasizes that solar energy is a good choice for the environment, as it reduces dependence on fossil fuels and helps to mitigate climate change. The use of solar energy also provides a long-term cost savings, as the energy is generated from the sun and not from finite resources.
The success of the solar panel installation in Munising Township demonstrates the potential for renewable energy to make a positive impact on local communities. By investing in solar energy, the township is not only reducing its energy costs but also contributing to a more sustainable future. As Potter-Sommer notes, “In the end, you’re gonna get your money back because the energy is coming from the sun… it’s not coming from fossil fuels, which with climate change we really need to downplay them, discourage them.”