Sustainable Onsite Energy Generation Company Opens At MAREC

MUSKEGON (WWJ) -- A company that provides sustainable, on-site energy generation systems is the newest tenant at Grand Valley State University's Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center.

Chart House Energy LLC signed a one-year agreement with Grand Valley to occupy business incubator space at MAREC. Founded in Chicago in 2009, the company provides clean energy generation systems like solar panel installations for commercial, industrial and government buildings.

Founder and President Robert Rafson, who has 27 years of experience in environmental engineering, design, construction and operations, built the largest solar photovoltaic electricity project in Michigan at Torresen Marine in Muskegon in 2010. He said the facilities at MAREC are supportive to businesses starting up or expanding into the area.

"I've found many activities and other businesses in the building that are aligned with our business plan," Rafson said. "MAREC is a great place to work and meet with others in the renewable energy space in an open and convenient environment."

Arn Boezaart, director of MAREC, said the goal of MAREC and Chart House Energy is to build a large and ever-growing portfolio of renewable energy projects.

"We are actively working together to advance interest and utilization of commercial-scale solar energy projects that take full advantage of available incentives, renewable energy financing and tax credits," Boezaart said. "We will assist Chart House Energy in becoming a self-sustaining Michigan independent power producer."

Chart House Energy joins four existing incubator business tenants at MAREC, which include LongerDays.com, Corlnet, Energy Partners and Penters. Learn more about the business incubator program at www.gvsu.edu/marec/business-incubator-program-112.htm.

For more information, contact Robert Rafson at getsolar@charthouseenergy.com or Arn Boezaart at boezaara@gvsu.edu.