This fall (or next spring), that's when the locals at Ypsilanti plan to start putting up 18 solar panels on two very visible city institutions.

Right now the local volunteers are getting structural engineering, design and installation quotes for the projects that will put new solar panels on the Ypsilanti City Hall and Food Co-op. City Hall will have 12 put on the rear of the building while the Co-op will add to the five already on its roof.

Local residents have raised a few thousands dollars for each site, received a $36,000 grant and lined up in-kind donations to help cover costs. These projects won't supply all of the energy needs of the facilities but will demonstrate to the public how the systems work, are cost-effective and can significantly offset energy costs in smaller buildings, such as single-family homes.
 
A monitoring system is expected to be up and running this summer on the co-op's website that will monitor how much electricity it produces. A similar system is being proposed for the City Hall solar project.
 
The group of local residents behind the project is looking for $50 pledges to fund the City Hall solar project. For information on giving, click here.
 
Source: Dave Strenski, volunteer with the Ypsilanti Solar Panel Project
Writer: Jon Zemke