Grand Valley State University’s Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center recently received a $44,000 grant from the Michigan Energy Office to study solar thermal system costs and efficiency improvements for use in Michigan’s climate. As some large solar energy systems installed in West Michigan are based on designs from other parts of the country, they are not always optimal for the region, where little solar research has been conducted.

The funding will cover data collection for one year from 75 low-income homes in the Muskegon-Oceana area that received renewable energy systems through a grant in 2011. The project will also study photovoltaic panel test beds installed at MAREC, which provide specific data of solar panel angles and snow cover interaction.