According to Michigan's solar industry, 2010 could prove to be illuminating.

From the PR Newswire:

"Many people think that solar won't work in Michigan because it's too cold and it doesn't get as much sun as other places, but that's misconstrued," [Mark Hagerty, President of Michigan Solar Solutions] said. "Michigan has an average of 4.2 hours of peak sunlight per day each year. Florida, the 'Sunshine State' only has about five hours. Solar panels are less efficient the hotter they get and actually produce more power when it gets cooler.

One reason Hagerty says Michigan is the place for solar power in 2010: rising electricity prices and increasing state and federal incentives mean that renewable energy has never been cheaper.
"Incentives are constantly changing and increasing," Hagerty said. "Recently the federal government removed the $2,000 limit on the 30 percent tax credit for renewable energy. Michigan also now has a true Net Metering Law which means that utility companies have to accept any electricity that an owner puts onto the grid.

From the Detroit Free Press:

It might sound like a field of dreams, but Sam Field and his son Connor Field hope their new solar farm will soon bring a burst of sunshine-generated electricity to Michigan and a return on their million-dollar investment.

With two friends, the Fields built the 700-panel solar array from scratch, even digging the trenches. Currently, it's the biggest solar project in the state, providing enough electricity to Consumers Energy to power 20 to 25 homes.

They're hoping the grand experiment succeeds and that a pilot program by Consumers Energy to put renewable energy projects on the grid and pay owners a fixed price for 12 years will make the venture profitable.

To read the full PR Newswire story click here, and for the Free Press Article here.

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Photo: Solar Wings by jimflix.