Is Highland Park Michigan's community solar hub? At the very least, it's where the most innovative uses and plans for community solar come from.
That's not too surprising, given that the city's 1,000-plus street lights were repossessed in 2011.
Soulardarity, a membership-based nonprofit based in Highland Park that installs solar street lights, was founded in response.
[Read Model D's article about how Highland Park residents are taking action to rebuild their city]
On May 12, a free "
Energy, Sustainability & Tech Fair" is being hosted in Highland Park. Presented by the
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association,
Parker Village, and Soulardarity, the fair will engage participants in energy conservation and "best practices that you can take home and use," according to a press release.
Highlights of the fair include a tour of Parker Village, a sustainable and holistic redevelopment project in the former Thompson Elementary School. Solartronic, an Ann Arbor-based solar street light manufacturer, will officially commission a solar light on the property after a successful crowdfunding campaign last year.
There will also be break-out sessions, speakers, exhibitors, and the first-ever meeting of the Metro Detroit Chapter of the Michigan Solar Users Network, an organization of solar owners to share information regarding their experience to educate and expand solar to other homeowners and businesses.
Everyone, from people engaged in sustainability work to activists, interests citizens, or those who just want to reduce their home energy bills, is encouraged to attend.
The Energy, Sustainability & Tech Fair takes place on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to the public. You can register here.
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