Projects/Interest Area Resources

Project Possibilities/Interest Areas

GLREA Class

(example: take a class through GLREA and report on it to class and/or use it as part of a project)

• GLREA Calendar

Feasibility Study

(example:  compare renewable/efficiency improvement options such as installing a high efficiency furnace vs. a ground source heat pump)

• factsheets:

  • example 1

  • example 2 (calculator)

  • the Geothermal Heat Pump groups estimate 25 - 50% savings... at current gas and electric prices, let's be generous and say you shave $300-500 off your bill.  (My 2000 SF energy efficient home heats for about $350/year).  With an installation cost that could easily cost 2-3 times a high efficiency furnace, it seems hard to justify at this point.  I've also heard reliability woes... how long to the pumps last?  My gut tells me that super-efficiency and micro heating systems (possibly combining water and space heating with one unit/one chimney may be best for new construction.  But I'm interested to hear what others discover.

Solar Installation

(example: Participate in a solar PV/Water/Air system design and/or installation on a home or small business.)

• Habitat's "ReStore" manager, Martha Kwant, might be a good contact at 374-6235

• The GLREA workshops may be helpful

• Home Power Magazine has back issues/articles on-line here!

Develop a Business Plan

(example:  develop a plan for a business that designs/builds/and/or installs energy systems/retrofits/ additions/etc.)

• Get an appointment at LCC's Small Bus. and Technology Development Center.  I've personally found them very helpful.   Visit: http://www.misbtdc.org/Region8/RegionServices.asp and set up a consultation!!!! 

Research

(example:  review materials on a topic of your choice and share your learning with the class and/or small group)

Here are some amazing presentations from last year's energy conferences at www.glrea.org

Be sure to visit the links, calendar, and presentation pages for past AEET Classes at www.re-news.net/energy

• Biogas

• Architecture

• Wind

• Wood  (Dulcey Simpkins with the State Energy Office is amazing - 241-6223)  Also see her factsheet (linked on the calendar on 11/1)

• Solar

• Waste to Energy

• Utilities

Grease/Biodiesel Car

• Jim Pitts ( is very helpful.  Also see the links, calendar, and presentation pages from previous classes.
• Examples of Student/Instructor/Speaker Presentations:

° Biofuels (.3MB)
-LeRoy Harvey, Doug Bonnett, and Phil Manteuffel

° Ethanol (.5MB)
-Crystal Schultz

° Resource Efficient and Affordable Dwelling (web page)
-LeRoy Harvey

° Dollars and Sense (.2MB)
-Ken Pontius

° AEET 102 Learning Objectives (25MB)
-LeRoy Harvey

° Biomass Energy Potential in MI (32MB)
-Dulcey Simpkins

° The Power of Partnerships (.4MB)
-Sue Warren (Board of Water and Light)

° Wind Energy in Michigan (varies for each slide)
-John Sarver

° Energy Incentives (.3MB)
-Matt Housepian

° Fusion Power (22MB)
-Justin Miernik

° Alternative Fuels (4MB)
-Gail Engelmeyer

° Geothermal Energy (.3 MB)
-Corey Carter

° The Sustainability Revolution (.04 MB)
-Sherrie Molitar

° Wind Power (.3 MB)
-David Smalley

° Welcome to West Campus (4 MB)
-Gail Engelmeyer