Another Solar Project to Benefit Kids

The project is expected to cut energy costs 30 percent and will be used to teach school children and the public about generating power in ways less harmful to the environment.

"This solar project used products made in Michigan, employed Michigan workers, and we will reduce our electrical costs and greenhouse gas emissions," said Kip Miller, chief naturalist at the popular park in Berrien Township.

The 9.5-kilowatt system is photovoltaic, which means it converts solar radiation into direct-current electricity. The direct-current power is converted to alternating current, which is required for most purposes.

The system does not use batteries but is connected to the power grid. Any power it generates that is not used goes into the grid and earns credits.

A kiosk inside the nature center demonstrates real-time energy data on a flat-screen TV. The public and students can see how much power is being generated at a particular time.

The system has been in operation for several weeks. On Friday, second-graders on a field trip from Mars Elementary School in Berrien Springs got a lesson in solar power and renewable energy.

Miller said that while the system is expected to generate 30 percent of the center's power overall, the actual amount produced hits 50 percent at times. Berrien County officials estimate that the system will cut energy costs $1,500 to $2,000 a year.

General contractor was Turtle Island Wind and Solar, a Cassopolis-based renewable energy company. The solar panels blend in with the nature center's metal roof and are barely noticeable. They were made by Uni-Solar, of Greenville.

Michael Topash, owner of Turtle Island Wind and Solar, said the silicon that makes up the solar cells in the roof panels is flexible, lightweight and long-lasting.

Money for the project came from the state's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The program, which aims to create and retain jobs, save energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions, is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the so-called stimulus bill.

Amy Butler, director of the state Bureau of Energy Systems, part of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, said the state has obligated $17.6 million to 128 energy grant programs.

The projects provide "a great opportunity" for the bureau to work with counties, townships and other local governments to cut energy costs and create jobs, she said.

The awards generally range from $50,000 to $140,000 for individual cities, townships or villages, and up to $650,000 for single counties and multi-jurisdictional units.

The state requires grant winners to collect, track and report data on energy savings, cost savings and job creation.