Whether you just want to save a few bucks or you want to drop off the grid completely, the Michigan Energy Fair had something for you.
The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association's fourth annual fair took place over the weekend at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama along the shores of Portage Lake and Lake Michigan, drawing a crowd of thousands.
Well over 100 exhibitors showed off everything from wind generators to solar photovoltaic systems to pellet stoves to high-efficiency construction techniques.
Damon and Yvonne Dotson of Whitmore Lake-based Solar Works were showing off a variety of solar energy gear. A personal favorite: a 1,500-watt emergency portable power system that could be charged either from a car or a solar panel, at $790. Beats the heck out of a stinky, polluting gas generator.
Dotson also had a trailer of Uni-Solar solar panels from Auburn Hills-based Energy Conversion Devices that through the filmy cloud cove was producing a little over 600 watts.
"I'm really trying to push Michigan-made products," Dotson said, adding that he wishes ECD sold direct to dealers like him, not through wholesalers.
More at www.solarworksllc.com.
A fascinating idea for energy-efficient shelter was being shown in the exhibit area by Traverse City-based Cottage In A Day. This company makes pre-assembled 14-by-14-foot structural units out of OSB plywood over a core of polystyrene foam. The units feature high ceilings and clerestory windows that make them seem larger than they are. They're installed on piers and can be combined in L or T shapes to produce a nice-sized, ultra-energy-efficient dwelling. They can be set up as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms or empty spaces.
More at www.cottageinaday.com.
Cherryland Electric Cooperative, the region's nonprofit electric utility, was showing off high-efficency LED light bulbs. And Spring Arbor-based contractors Schull Electric were showing off a huge compact flourescent bulb that produces the equivalent of a 400-watt incandescent bulb for about 60 watts that's intended for commercial applications like gas stations or gymnasiums.
"It's a wonderful show," said Char Schull of Schull Electric. "There's a lot of people really interested in going green. We were busy all day long (Friday) and it looks like it's going to be busy again today."
Also showing off was Standale Lumber of Grandville, a company that produces what looks like shaped logs for log cabins.
Look more closely, though. The Standale InsuLog is made of Michigan white pine or cedar, cut and glued around a core of polystyrene insuation. This "log" has an insulation value of R-19 all by itself. The company says it provides free estimates of the cost of its logs based on plans submitted by potential buyers.
More at www.standalelumber.com
The Energy Fair also features seminar tents offering plenty of information on everything from federal green tax benefits to construction techniques.
The fair runs through 7 p.m. Saturday and again from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
More at www.glrea.org.
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