The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
City makes strides on solar energy plan
Project could get started this summer
By Pat Grimes, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: February 7, 2008
For most of us, a red light is an unwelcome interruption in our busy day, at best a chance to change radio stations or plan that next phone call.
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For local man Dave Strenski, however, stopping on Huron Street for a red light at Michigan Avenue got his wheels turning.
"Sitting in my car, seeing City Hall building bathed in sunshine," he recalled, "it dawned on me that back wall would be a very good location for solar panels."
Strenski's idea has met with enthusiasm from inside and outside City Hall, and now the Solar Panel Project is raising funds to pay for a formal analysis from a city-approved structural engineering firm.
Trained in mechanical engineering and project coordinator for the 2005 solar panel installation at the Ypsilanti Food Co-op, Strenski had the necessary expertise to sell his idea, and soon had the support of Mayor Paul Schreiber, City Council members and the Department of Public Works. He found a tougher audience, however, in the Historic District Commission.
"City Hall is an historic building, so we need the HDC's okay to move forward," Strenski explained. "We've been able to satisfy most of their concerns; we're hoping a positive report from a structural engineer will lead to a positive response from the commission."
Strenski envisions 12 photovoltaic panels spanning the top of City Hall's three-story southern face. Such an installation would generate up to 2460 watts of power running directly into the building's electrical system and reducing the city's bill from DTE Energy. The public statement such a project would make, Strenski says, would be even more powerful.
"Solar panel power generation is a good idea for everyone involved," he stated. "To visibly embrace renewable energy, to be the first city hall in Michigan and maybe the country with solar panels, that would say something very positive about Ypsilanti."
Describing himself as, "more of a technology geek than an environmentalist," Strenski nevertheless knows a great deal about solar power generation and is happy to share it. In conjunction with a grant from Recycle Ann Arbor, Strenski offers multi-media presentations to interested groups of 20 or more on solar power in general and on local solar projects, such as the Food Co-op's.
For information on a presentation, e-mail dave@strenski.com or call the Co-op at 483-1520.
Strenski estimates the cost of the City Hall solar panel project at $19,000 with those funds coming from private donors. Nothing can go ahead, however, until the structural engineer's report - which has a "not to exceed" bid of $3,800 - passes muster with the Historic District Commission.
According to City Manager Ed Koryzno, almost $500 has been donated to this cause. Interested parties can send their donation to City Hall at One South Huron Street, Ypsilanti, 48197. Make your check out to "City of Ypsilanti" and place a notation in the memo line reading, "Ypsilanti solar project."
Assuming the HDC gives their blessing, when might we see City Hall's sunlight being collected and transformed?
"It could happen this summer," smiled an optimistic Strenski.
Pat Grimes is a longtime Ypsilanti resident and freelance writer for The Courier. He can be reached at pshermang@yahoo.com
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