Completed Projects

Toy Residence Lawrence, Michigan

Before Click Pictures to Enlarge After

1899 farmhouse restoration:  Art was his own project manager in the movement, restoration and retrofitting with renewable energy systems in this 1899 farmhouse. The home was originally located in front of Meijer's on M-43 in Oshtemo, Michigan.  Art and his wife Sharon saved the farmhouse from the wrecking ball and moved it 33 miles to Lawrence, Michigan.  Toy's 1899 farmhouse is energized with a 10 KW grid connected wind turbine.  Their water is heated and circulated with solar power and the farmhouse is heated/cooled with a geothermal heat pump.  The farmhouse has been retrofitted extensively with insulation and custom built storm windows and doors. Click to view the CNN's  "Planets in Peril Series" fearturing the Toy Residence.

Portage, MI Roof mounted solar electric panel system

1.4 kW Solar PV System As it so happens, this is the very first permitted (building and electrical permits) solar electric system installed in Portage, MI.  It was initially a 1.4 kW solar electric with a simple interconnection agreement with Consumers Energy.  the system is now being upgraded to a 2.0 kW array to be part of a Feed-In Tariff progam whereby Consumers Energy will pay this home owner $0.65/kW/hr for evergy solar Kilowatt of power generated by the solar PV array for the next 12 years.

Ludington , MI Wind, solar & battery back-up hybrid system

Tilt Up Wind Tower This hybrid system is comprised of a 1 kW Bergey Wind Turbine atop a 97- foot tilt-up tower and a 1.2 kW solar electric array atop a pole mounted Zomeworks Sun Tracker that follows the sun from sunrise to sunset.  All of the power generated by the wind turbine and solar electric panels go into a 24 volt battery bank.  Once the battery bank is fully charged, the excess power is back feed into the grid as part of a Net Metering agreement.  If the grid should go down, the power from the battery bank will provide backup power to the home.

Mattawan, MI Sunsiaray Solar Hot Air System

Sunsiaray Solar Hot Air This Sunsiary solar hot air system in Mattawan, MI was a new install to replace a 20+ year old Blackberry solar hot air system damaged beyond repair by a tree falling during a wind storm.  The South facing collector warms cool air from the upper portion of the home and draws it into the basement living space.  A solar hot air system is a very simple way for providing supplemental heating in order to reduce the load on the primary heating system.

Otsego, MI Roof mount Solar Electric (PV) panel system

2.5 kW PV - Mono-crystalline This installation in Otsego, MI is the VERY FIRST state-wide Consumers Energy Feed-In Tariff Dual Meter system.  The System is a 2.5 kW solar photovoltaic system using mono-crystalline panels to provide the electrical grid with power.  This system is part of Consumers Energy Feed-In Tariff program whereby Consumers Energy will pay the Otsego home owner $0.65/kWhr for every solar Kilowatt of power generated by the solar PV array for the next 12 years.

Alway Residence Otsego, Michigan

Solar Hot Water Wind Turbine & Moon

Passionate about Renewable Energy: The Dan Alway Residence has been off-grid since 1991.  He uses solar electric power, wind power, solar thermal and wood for space/water heating.  Mr. Alway has a B.S. in Manufacturing from Western Michigan University.  He is a long time instructor/presenter for the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association in Michigan, Midwest Renewable Energy Association in Wisconsin, The Iowa Renewable Energy Association and the Illinois Renewable Energy Association.  He also teaches at The Kalamazoo Math & Science Center were he enlightens the students in the realm of renewable energy solutions for today's world.

Kaufman  Residence Bangor, Michigan

Solar Array Click to see Story Kaufman Residence

Sunflower off-grid house: The decision to build a passive solar house which was to be off the grid was an exciting adventure for the Kaufman's.  Dr Kaufman is a retired Professor in Environmental Studies from Western Michigan University.  His home is a life-long study in environmental stewardship.  Incorporated into the design of this home is passive solar heating with masonry wood heater support, solar photovoltaic & wind power for electricity and green building design. Click here to read more about the Kaufman renewable energy experience.