New Resource Pinpoints Solar Home Potential in Ann Arbor

by Jaime Pfeffer

April 25th, 2008 in Ann Arbor, Architecture, Conservation, Energy, Green, Living

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Along with walkability, crime rates and school districts, possible homebuyers in Ann Arbor now have another factor to consider when purchasing new digs: solar power potential.

Ann Arbor residents and potential homebuyers can now receive a free solar analysis by visiting the City’s Website, selecting “My Property Information”, and clicking on the “Solar Potential” tab.

Part of Mayor Hieftje’s 2005 Green Energy Challenge, which includes a goal of 5,000 solar roof installations by 2015, Ann Arbor Energy Commissioners and UM students assessed over 21,000 Ann Arbor roofs for their solar potential.

The Ann Arbor Energy Office and Energy Commission then worked with the Information Technology Services Unit to provide the results via the city’s Google-based My Property web application within a new tab called “Solar Potential”.

A2’s website notes that “if every residential building in Ann Arbor had a one kilowatt solar electric system on the roof, we could generate over 30 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year or about 10% of Ann Arbor’s 2000 residential electrical use.”

Click here for more information.

One of Detroit's biggest cheerleaders, Jaime Pfeffer moved to the Motor City from suburban Detroit five years ago. She started a blog, Girl in the D, in September 2004 to promote the positive aspects of Detroit and hasn't stopped touting Motown's good side since. Jaime left corporate America in 2007 to pursue her first love, writing.