MAREC To Host Community Solar Systems Workshop

MUSKEGON -- Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center will host a series of workshops about the benefits of community solar energy systems.

The four-part series, open to the public, will take place on Tuesdays from July 9-30 at MAREC.

Kim Walton, program director for MAREC, said there is a lot of interest in community solar.

"The concept is similar to a community garden, the power source is in one location but is shared by everyone," she said.

"A Roadmap to Community Solar" workshop series runs July 9, 16, 23 and 30 at MAREC, 200 Viridian Drive in Muskegon.

The fee is $60 per person; register online at www.gvsu.edu/marec.

Each week, the workshop will feature an expert, including:
* July 9: Anya Schoolman, founder of the Community Power Network, Washington D.C.
* July 16: Sara Bronin, program director for the Center for Energy and Environmental Law, University of Connecticut
* July 30: David Konkle, community solar project coordinator, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association

A panel of local experts will be at the July 23 workshop.

The workshops are co-sponsored by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. For more information, contact Kim Walton at waltonk@gvsu.edu or (616) 331-6907.