LANSING—A new poll conducted for a solar energy lobbying group found that most Michiganders support the concept of community solar, with three out of four respondents favoring the concept, according to results released today by the Michigan Community Solar Alliance.
Community solar refers to a solar array located in a community where multiple customers can subscribe and receive a credit on their utility bill for their share of the power that is produced, just as if the panels were on their own roof.
“It’s clear that support for increased energy choice and saving money on utility bills is extremely attractive among Michiganders,” said Bernie Porn, president of Epic MRA, which conducted the poll. “It’s almost unheard of in these volatile times to have a bipartisan proposal with three out of four people supporting it.”
The poll revealed 76 percent of respondents support legislation that would allow Michigan residents and businesses to subscribe to a community solar project. Other results showed that:
- 69 percent of respondents support giving Michigan electric customers and businesses increased energy choices.
- Nearly 40 percent of respondents would be interested in subscribing to a community solar project.
“Community solar would bring increased access to renewable energy while strengthening Michigan’s energy grid and benefitting our economy,” said John Kinch, executive director of Michigan Energy Options. “This is a win-win for Michigan and it’s great to see so much support for this proposal across the state.”
More than 50 percent of American households don’t have access to solar power because they either rent, live in a multi-tenant building, have roofs unable to host a solar system, or live in a service territory of a utility that won’t allow it. Through community solar, people could be connected to a local solar installation who would provide subscribers with equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar generation.
MCSA was formed in May 2021 to advocate for the passage of House Bills 4715 and 4716 which will bring more community solar projects to the state. The bills, which were introduced in the Michigan House on April 27, are sponsored by state Reps. Rachel Hood (D- Grand Rapids) and Michele Hoitenga (R- Manton).
The Alliance is led by 14 founding organizations including:
- Associated Builders and Contractors Michigan
- The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – Michigan Chapter
- Coalition for Community Solar Access
- Ecology Center
- Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
- MI Air MI Health
- Michigan Conservative Energy Forum
- Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council
- Michigan Energy Options
- Michigan Environmental Council
- Michigan League of Conservation Voters
- Michigan Municipal League
- Sierra Club Michigan
- Vote Solar Action Fund
The survey of 600 likely voters was conducted Feb. 19-25. For more information about the Alliance, visit www.micommunitysolaralliance.com.
The dividends should be available as the subscriber desires and not limited to credit on energy bills. If the subscriber wishes to obtain a cash dividend or reinvest in the project, so be it.
Also, there must be a mechanism by which Low Income Families are not penalized for benefiting from dividends, once they inch pass the poverty level. If dividends are significant enough to bring families to a living wage level, with government benefits, then an incremental role back policy for these benefits will be implemented. Health, Food & Utilities relief should be eliminated last. There must also be provision in cases where income drops. The beneficiary Family will not have to begin building their case from the beginning. imho