LANSING, MI - Last night’s Environmental Commission meeting started with a “Green Theme” presentation. The presentation focused on energy efficiency programs regarding solar power purchase agreements.

Executive Director of Michigan Interfaith Power and Light Bob Chapman shared his insight on the public health and environmental benefits of these programs.

A Power Purchase Plan is between an investor and a building owner in which the investor sets up panels to generate renewable electricity. The building owner then pays the investor to use the panels for energy. The investor pays little to no maintenance.

“They can be a good thing for a small business or a nonprofit and they can be a good thing for very large companies,” explained Chapman.

The agreements vary in size of kilowatts, depending on location, and have long-term savings on energy costs according to the presenter. Once a cost is agreed between the two parties, the cost per kilowatt will not change.

Chapman and his wife are investors of a church in Detroit and use solar panels to generate energy. Solar panels are warrantied for 25 years. Plans can last decades depending on the agreement between the investor and owner.

“We’re going to have to change the way that we do business and the way that we do our lives if we’re going to have a more climate-friendly world,” said Chapman on adopting renewable energy as the new norm.

Solar panels can slow down a roof’s aging process. Chapman mentions how some panels continue to work after 40 years of use.

The recycling industry is still working on accessibility in terms of where to recycle the panels due to their long-term usage.

The next Environmental Commission meeting will be held in July.