Category: Energy

Michigan’s Upper Thumb is considered the wind capital for Great Lakes Wind Energy. It’s a topic that has divided many communities but is held as one of the many answers to climate change. We cover local news about wind and solar projects in Mid-Michigan and the Thumb.

Here are some of our Great Lakes Wind Energy posts from over the years.

ExxonMobil Acquires Materia Inc. – New Way For Making Wind Turbine Blades Stronger and Sustainable

Posted on December 10, 2021December 10, 2021 by Michael Hardy

ExxonMobil Chemical recently made an acquisition of a company whose technical advancement in polymers may result in making wind turbine blades stronger, will last longer, and offer sustainable practices.

Wind Farm Property Values Impact In 2021

Posted on October 15, 2021October 29, 2021 by Michael Hardy

it’s a now a matter of public record that the wind farm defendants in the Ubly case did unsuccessfully attempt to prevent the opinion of a local property assessment firm that showed that the plaintiffs suffered a reduction in property values approaching $1 million.

Chip Shortage Throws Shade on Biden’s Solar Plans

Posted on September 10, 2021October 29, 2021 by Michael Hardy

A global semiconductor chip shortage, due to COVID-19 pandemic is undermining Biden’s efforts for solar to make 40% of our electric power by 2050.

5 Easy Steps – A Guide For DIY Solar Panel Maintenance

Posted on August 17, 2021October 29, 2021 by Malcom Mott

Maintenance of Solar Panels can be easily accomplished by the do it yourselfer (DIY).

Here are the steps and tips to protect your investment.

6 DIY Solar Panel Projects You Can Start Today

Posted on June 13, 2021December 2, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Learning about how to DIY Solar Panel project has never been easier.

We collected these top 6 how-to videos with step-by-step instructions, tips and tools to use to make your own electricity.

6 Reasons to Invest in Wind Energy Development for the Future

Posted on December 3, 2020June 6, 2024 by Michael Hardy

There is no question that technologies such as wind turbines are less efficient than continuing to use fossil fuel. So why are we investing so much in renewable in terms of tax breaks and legislation? This video presents a non political outline of the situation that planet finds itself in. It does not offer any solutions. This was first posted on Thumbwind in 2012. Three years later it resonates even more.

Set Up Your Own Home Wind Turbine

Posted on October 24, 2020November 5, 2021 by Malcom Mott

There is a high potential that Michigan and the Upper Thumb region will start seeing more users of home wind turbines in use for farms, homes, and cottages. Advances in technology have made this potential more affordable. Even “Big Box” home improvement stores have wind generation products for sale for home use.

7 Noteworthy DIY Wind Turbine Renewable Energy Projects You Can Do in a Weekend

Posted on July 21, 2020May 12, 2022 by Malcom Mott

It’s getting simple to make your own renewable energy source using material found in your home or even salvaged from an old washing machine or treadmill. We explored the web for some top ideas on what it would take to create a hobby turbine or solar panel that could actually offset some energy expenses at your farm, cabin, boat, or cottage.