A Blog by WARM Training Center
Joel
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Posts by Joel
EECBG Case Studies
Dec 17th
Looking for some case studies about local government implementing energy efficiency projects? Look no further:
The Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office, WARM Training Center, and State of Michigan Energy Office have collaborated on case studies that highlight the challenges for local governments in implementing energy efficiency projects:
Check them out here:
EECBG Case Study 1: Small Governments tells the story of little Yale, MI and its quest to reduce the amount of energy used in the city hall, as well as to be able to see out the windows. Luckily, their city manager sought help from many different organizations around the state for help in making this quest a reality. Due to his persistence, the retrofits are underway!
EECBG Case Study 2: Single Stream Recycling is an account of the challenges and victories of Huntington Woods, MI and SOCRRA as they fought to implement a pilot single stream recycling program in the community.
EECBG Case Study 3: Workforce Development regales us with the tale of how the City of Warren facilitated partnerships between many organizations to integrate workforce development into its green roof projects.
EECBG Case Study 4: Lighting Retrofit tells about what was saved (energy) and what was gained (better lighting) as Lathrup Village implemented a lighting retrofit project in their city hall.
EEECBG Case Study 5: Joint Purchasing is the story of six communities who banded together with the help of the Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office and saved over $40,000 in lighting supplies through joint purchasing for their lighting retrofits, equivalent to $0.68 cents/capita for residents in those communities.
EECBG Case Study 6: Historic Buildings recounts the story of the preservation and restoration of both historic character and energy in the 130 year old one room school house turned library in tiny Ray Township, MI.
Solar Hot Water Update
Aug 17th
I have been doing some research lately into Solar Hot Water heating systems and I wanted to post some of the information that have learned. Two people who I spoke with who were extremely helpful were Christina Snyder at the Clean Energy Coalition (888.818.0987 x707) and Tony at Renewable Energy Solutions (734-649-1777). (they are not responsible for any inaccuracies) Here is some of the stuff I found out:
Types of Collectors
1. Flat Plate:
- cheaper but careful of ones with thin film plastic glazing
- takes more sun to heat up (greater water volume)
- collectors may not last as long
2. Evacuated Tube (coaxial)
- more expensive
- lower mass system so heats up quicker…better for MI winters
- double wall system recommended (vs. single wall)
- better longevity as a system
- maintenance easy (like changing out a light bulb)
Maintenance Costs (estimated):
- Check 6 months after install ( for leaks and such)
- Yearly checks on closed loop pressure and pressure differentials (Building Manager can do this)
- Change of Heat Transfer Fluid every 3 -5 years (Should be done by Professional )
- Replace Pump – 10 years
- Tank: 30 years (or longer) – less wear and tear than a directly heated tank.
Certification
The Solar Rating Certification Council certifies different type of solar heaters.
- OG 100 – Collector Certification
- OG 300 Complete System Certification
Certified Michigan Based Manufacturers of Solar Hot Water Systems
BTF Solar is one MI based manufacturer that comes recommended
Financial Incentives
Michigan – Residential Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (Heating and Water Heating)
Solar Calculators
RFI’s, RFQ’s, and RFP’s, OH MY!
Aug 13th
With the magnitude of federal dollars flowing to state and local project these days, plenty of you are rolling out your own projects. I’ll bet that many government folks have never had to issue so many Requests for stuff as now. Well, we just had a series of two workshops on this and wanted to share the resources we have, just in case you weren’t able to make it. Here is a link to the video, presentations, and print resources provided in that workshop
http://www.warmtraining.org/gov/
Any follow up questions?
Joel