Houghton County Dems to host Solar Power presentation TONIGHT, Jan. 7, at Super 8

HOUGHTON -- The first regular membership meeting of the Houghton County Democratic Party in 2015 will be held at 7 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, Jan. 7, in the conference room of the Super 8 Motel in Houghton. Members and friends are welcome.

Did you see that glimpse of sunshine this week? What better time to celebrate the sun in January than to find out how solar power is easier and more affordable than you think?

The meeting will feature a presentation by Abhilash "Abhi" Kantamnemi, a research engineer at the Keweenaw Research Center. He has done extensive research into the viability of solar power in the Upper Peninsula and has helped several area residents install solar power for themselves.

Abhilash (Abhi) Kantamneni, second from left, joins in a discussion during the Oct. 3, 2014, Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) core leadership team meeting at Portage Lake District Library. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

"The basics of solar is really pretty straightforward; a lot of people in the area have installed solar themselves," Kantamnemi said. "Your installs could be 50 percent cheaper if you DIY (do it yourself)."

His presentation will feature an idea to start solar "co-ops," in which interested parties can put in a bulk order to save on costs and shipping charges.

For those who might be interested in obtaining solar power but may want a professional installation Kantamnemi suggested Dave Camps at Blue Terra (906-231-3995) in Hancock or Ian Olmsted from Marquette (517-242-2558).

More information can be obtained at www.SolarizeHoughton.org .

Green Lecture Series to present "Solar Powering Michigan" Oct. 30

HOUGHTON -- The 2014 Green Lecture Series will present "Solar Powering Michigan" from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in G002 Hesterberg Hall, Forestry Building, Michigan Tech.

Admission is free. Enjoy coffee, tea and refreshments before the lecture.

Many local markets in Michigan present significant opportunities for solar photovoltaic development due to high electricity rates. The presentation will cover the basics of going solar on your own property -- and the future of solar in the regional energy mix.

Abhilash (Abhi) Kantamneni, PhD student in Michigan Tech's Department of Computer Science, will make the presentation.

Abhilash (Abhi) Kantamneni, second from left, joins in a discussion during the Oct. 3, 2014, Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) core leadership team meeting at Portage Lake District Library. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Kantamneni earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Anna University, India, and a Master’s Degree in Physics from Michigan Tech before pursuing a PhD in Computer Science. While his research focuses on Artificial Intelligence in the design of smart power systems of the future, his work with solar energy has achieved widespread acclaim across the state and the country. This includes talks at Solar Powering Michigan, Michigan Interpower Faith and Light and Superior Watershed Partnership conferences, and articles by Michigan Land Use Institute, Clean Power Now Michigan, and Midwest Energy News.  His free online "Solar Calculator" is used by hundreds of Michigan residents to estimate the value of going solar. Abhi is currently developing curriculum to prepare returning veterans for the growing American renewable energy job market.

The Green Lecture Series is co-sponsored by Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Michigan Tech Center for Water and Society, Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and Keweenaw Land Trust.