MES in Print - download PDF file here >>News ArchiveGreen practices conflict with homeowners associations By Tracy Loew, USA TODAY - May 13th, 2010
Women's Business Enterprise National Council certification - 2 April 2010 (Press Release) Mechanical Energy Systems Inc., a business specializing in solar and high efficiency heating and cooling systems, received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by Woman’s Business Enterprise Council – Great Lakes, also known as MICEED, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Here comes the sun as solar dispute settled - By Darrell Clem, Observer Staff Writer - March 7, 2010
“I'm making my own domestic hot water,” a proud Dan Hall said, standing inside his home on Crowndale Lane, near Beck and Cherry Hill roads in Canton's Pheasant View subdivision. Hall, a civil engineer, has eased his criticism of homeowners association officials after they agreed he could install three solar collector panels on his roof and harness the sun's energy to produce hot water and, eventually, to help heat his home and backyard swimming pool. Hall hopes his 14-month legal battle against the Pheasant View Homeowners Association and its architectural review committee will send a message to others who may face similar hurdles as they try to save money and energy while becoming more environmentally conscious. “My experience and the hurdles I had to overcome should set a precedent for people in all these subdivisions to follow,” he said. Hall spent $5,000 on solar-energy materials, worked with Canton-based Mechanical Energy Systems Inc. to design his system and then built it himself. Long-term energy savings aside, he expects to recoup the money he spent on the system within three years. “I call him my solar pioneer,” said Donna Napolitano, who owns Mechanical Energy Systems Inc. with husband Joe. She said Hall's effort to save money and energy “makes so much sense.” Hall said projects like his can even help homeowners qualify for federal tax credits. Pheasant View officials have previously said their intent wasn't to be mean-spirited, but rather to uphold rules governing what residents can do to the exterior of their homes. They couldn't be reached Friday, but they have previously said the goal was to follow the spirit of the association's covenants and restrictions. Hall, saying he and the homeowners group have agreed to an out-of-court settlement, stood outside his home Thursday and pointed out three flat-plate solar panels, 8 feet by 4 feet, that he says look more like side-by-side skylights than a neighborhood eyesore. Hall and wife Michelle's youngest of three sons, 11-year-old Hunter, said he is proud of his father's solar energy system. Solar
Demonstration Center - Dec.
2009 The three solar panel demonstration center is expandable for greater capacity at a later time. Made in the USA the panels are linked to inverters that can communicate real time activity to the classroom and monitor performance over time. This will enable students to become familiar with actual energy generation in local environments. The panels will also enable students to monitor the effects of the suns orientation, shading and debris on performance better familiarizing them with detailed understanding of the equipments abilities and challenges. Newest Solar Installation Simplified For Plug And Play By Valerie Jenner - Dec. 2009
The micro inverter is compatible with certain styles of solar panels, most manufactured here in the United States. The combination of the high performance panel and the efficient micro inverter can increase a panel’s output by 10% beyond its rating. Thus, the 8,000-watt system could actually produce 10,000 watts under optimal real life conditions, right here in Michigan. Standard PV panels are tied to each other and when an area of the panels becomes shaded or obstructed, the electrical output can shut down even when over 80% of the panels still function. The newest micro inverters avoid that pit fall and allow the system to operate around the shading. This new innovation in technology is well suited for the consumer that wants solar energy but also keep their shade trees. Traditional systems need a certain level of current to jump-start the standard inverter before electricity can be utilized. This causes delayed performance and wastes low levels of energy. The new breed of micro inverter collects and stores all the energy provided by the panels, even low light, to start the micro inverter earlier and release useable electricity for the consumers benefit. This exciting breakthrough is made possible by a new breed of micro inverters that are attached to each panel and can operate 99.6% efficiency in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. The micro inverter also sends detailed real-time information to the homeowner, installer, and manufacturer. With the use of the web based monitoring, the 8kW system can be monitored to such a level that even a leaf is visible via the computer graphics as it floats across a few cells within a panel while the rest of that panel keeps sending power to the building. Now shading, dust, debris and drifting snow are only a minimal restriction to energy production improving the overall efficiency of the panels by up to 25%. The manufacturer monitors the micro inverters performance and notifies the homeowner if it perceives a problem or reduction in performance.” In 2010 Mechanical Energy Systems Inc is celebrating their 25th anniversary in business. The
oldest solar company right here in Michigan, MES has plans
of celebration through out the year. Follow MES on www.mes1.com
and be a part of the growing renewable energy revolution and
become a fan on Facebook. Local
Canton Business Chosen To Install
Michigan’s premier solar electric manufacturing company, United Solar Ovonic, developed the EnerGen system which combines Uni-solar’s industry-leading expertise in photovoltaics (PV) with CertainTeed’s century-long leadership in residential roofing to create a solar roof system that seamlessly integrates the solar with roofing shingles. To celebrate this achievement, the two companies donated a 3.2 kW EnerGen system for Governor Granholm’s official residence in Lansing Michigan. These panels are the newest generation of laminated solar panel technology, lightweight and flexible, virtually unbreakable, are shade tolerant and work in high temperatures and will produce 3200 watts of renewable power to the governor’s residence. Joe Napolitano installed the first generation of Unisolar laminated panels in 2001, a 3000 watt system at the Seaholm High School, Birmingham Michigan, which has generated electricity for the school, and is used as an education benchmark over the years. Mechanical Energy Systems is a certified installer of Unisolar products.
Along with the governor’s support, positive incentives from DTE through the Solar Currents program and the Federal Stimulus Package help all of us to make solar a reality. Southeast Michigan customers eyeing systems for the last few years can afford making solar energy a reality on their home or business. Utility rebates are limited and in high demand. Fast acting solar electric customers can save 55% of costs, 25% from DTE off the total cost upon installation. A second 25% is spread over 20 years through DTE, but the DTE program is limited and filling up fast. Solar electric, solar hot water and space heating also qualify for the 30% Federal tax credit until December 31, 2016. MES uses solar products in daily operations all year. The office and warehouse uses natural day lighting, brighter and more secure than skylights with no damaging ultraviolet rays. Wall-mounted solar panels heat water and are supported with a solar boiler. A small photovoltaic (electric) system powers the computers and phones. A solar wall heats fresh outdoor air and improves indoor air quality while solar hot air panels heat the building during the winter months. Eco1Energy the distribution center created from the 30 years of experience of Joe and Donna Napolitano has launched training programs to further the renewable energy industry in the tri-state area. “Our goal is to pass the years of experience forward to a new generation of installation companies, and bring a variable resource of solar and renewable energy to a state that imports over 23 billion dollars in energy yearly. This state needs to keep our revenue here to better support our economy, industry, and residence, solar would be a viable option”, states Donna Napolitano. Mechanical Energy Systems applauds Governor Granholm in her pursuit of a new field of innovation in renewable energy that will lead the way to a stronger state. They look forward to a new direction and are proud to be a contributing business, training and promoting renewable applications that work for everyone. Power
Boost
The last time Marc Corriveau stood in the lobby at Canton's Mechanical Energy Systems, he was there to push legislation that would have Michigan moving to cleaner alternative energy standards. This time, the second-term state representative (20th District) was there to push harder. Corriveau, a Democrat from Northville whose district also encompasses the City of Plymouth, Plymouth Township and a slice of Canton, joined fellow Democrats Dian Slavens (Canton) and Deb Kennedy (Brownstown) at the Canton business to push a plan to “catapult Michigan forward in alternative energy and make the state a magnet for clean, renewable energy jobs. “There's an argument to be made this is good for our future, good for our kids,” said Corriveau. “This is a way for Michigan to create a lot of jobs. We have a lot of displaced (manufacturing) workers looking for work in new fields. This feels good personally, and it feels good professionally.” Democrats say the plan builds on legislation passed last year and “further positions Michigan to meet growing demand for clean energy workers by offering powerful incentives for renewable energy development and manufacturing, energy efficiency and alternative energy production. Slavens, a first-termer, sponsored recent legislation that helped attract major advanced battery manufacturers to Michigan. She said Michigan needs to do something to outpace other states trying to get into the alternative energy game. “We need to do what we can right now to seize this growing industry,” Slavens said. “Other states are becoming established. We need to do things that put us out front ... so Michigan is the place (manufacturers) come to put their businesses.” Among other things, the plan will:
“We've had a lifelong passion to bring alternative energy to Michigan, and we need to create a market for that to flourish,” she said. “This plan provides incentives for small businesses like ours to grow and create more jobs right here in Michigan.” Democrats say research continues to show a “huge potential for growth” in the renewable energy industry. The U.S. Department of Energy has identified Michigan as one of four states that can create more than 30,000 manufacturing jobs in the wind sector alone. According to a 2009 Michigan Green Jobs Report from the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, a sample of more than 350 green-related firms showed job growth of 7.7 percent; other businesses in the state lost jobs at a rate of 5.4 percent. While the standards wouldn't be required for another 16 years, Corriveau believes workers could start seeing the effects of this plan soon. “You
can almost see jobs coming immediately,” he said. “We
know the country is going to renewable standards. We know
if we can get a foothold, the jobs will come quickly. Renewable
energy is growing by leaps and bounds, creating hundreds of
thousands of jobs and bringing in billions of dollars. It's
time for Michigan to take its place in the global economy
before these jobs and investments pass us by.”
Re-Energize
Michigan! CANTON – A coalition of Wayne County legislators, business leaders and clean energy advocates today announced a plan to catapult Michigan forward in alternative energy and make the state a magnet for clean, renewable energy jobs. The plan builds on legislation passed last year and further positions Michigan to meet growing demand for clean energy workers by offering powerful incentives for renewable energy development and manufacturing, energy efficiency and alternative energy production. "With our highly-skilled workforce and first-rate manufacturing facilities, our state is well-positioned to take the reins as the nation's leader in alternative energy," said State Representative Dian Slavens (D-Canton), who sponsored recent legislation that helped attract major advanced battery manufacturers to Michigan. "This plan will put our hard-working men and women back on the job producing the wind turbines and solar panels that will power America's future." The legislation will position Michigan as a leader in producing alternative energy, as well as manufacturing energy-efficient products and components for renewable energy systems. The plan will:
"Focusing our efforts on the renewable energy industry is vital to rebuilding our economy and creating 21st century jobs for our workers," said State Representative Marc Corriveau (D-Northville). "Renewable energy is growing by leaps and bounds, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and bringing in billions of dollars in investment across the nation and world. It's time for Michigan to take its place in the new global economy before these jobs and investments pass us by." Research continues to show a huge potential for growth in the renewable energy industry. The U.S. Department of Energy has identified Michigan as one of four states that can create more than 30,000 manufacturing jobs in the wind sector alone. According to the 2009 Michigan Green Jobs Report from the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, a sample of more than 350 green-related firms showed job growth of 7.7 percent. In contrast, other businesses in Michigan lost jobs at a rate of 5.4 percent. The House has worked to put Michigan at the forefront of the alternative energy industry by passing a plan sponsored by Slavens to expand the nation's first tax credits – totaling $555 million in incentives – to attract companies that research, develop and manufacture advanced batteries for electric vehicles. As a result of that aggressive strategy, four world-class companies plan to invest a total of $1.7 billion in Michigan and create more than 6,600 jobs. Like renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency has the potential to create thousands of jobs and save consumers money. The Energy Center of Wisconsin estimates that every dollar invested in energy efficiency produces $3 in savings. "Whether it's more efficient light bulbs or improved building designs, focusing our resources toward energy efficiency is a win-win for Michigan consumers and businesses," said State Representative Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown). "That return on our investment is money that can go back into our local economy and create jobs for our hard-working men and women right here in Wayne County. Energy efficiency will be a major asset in competing in the 21st century economy, and this plan will ensure that Michigan is a big player." Donna Napolitano, president of Mechanical Energy Systems, applauded the legislation. The Canton-based company sells and installs solar panels that help homeowners and businesses save money and energy. "This plan will provide incentives for small businesses like Mechanical Energy Systems to grow and create more jobs right here in Michigan," Napolitano said. "After nearly 25 years in business, we're eager to expand our operations and offer more alternative energy options to more residential and commercial customers." Leaders from the clean energy community said the plan will help position Michigan as a leader in alternative energy. "The Re-Energize Michigan plan is the shot-in-the-arm that our economy needs," said Mike Shriberg of the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center. "We cannot afford to turn our backs on this important opportunity to bring jobs and investment back to Michigan."
Going “green” is a concept being encouraged by the federal government, which gives tax breaks to business and homeowners who convert to renewable energy sources. Dan Hall of Canton Township wants to be responsible to the environment, take advantage of the federal tax credits and save thousands of dollars annually in utility bills by installing solar panels on his Pheasant View subdivision home, near Pheasant Run Golf Course. However, it appears that going “green” is not the right color for the Pheasant View Homeowners' Association, which last month turned down Hall's request to add the solar panels to the roof of his home. Hall said the panels would be used to preheat water before it's stored in the hot water tank, eliminating much of the energy that's needed to warm 55-degree water in the tank. The solar panels might also help warm the water in Hall's swimming pool. “These are like four-by-eight-foot picture frames that sit one inch off the roof,” Hall said. “They look more like sky lights “I'm trying to be a patriotic citizen and do what (President) Barack Obama said to do, and they are holding me back because they say it doesn't look good,” he added. “We're encouraged by the government, but these three people think they might not look good.” The three people Hall referred to are members of the homeowner association's architectural review committee. Hall needed a mechanical permit from Canton Township — which he received — and a letter of approval from the committee to move forward with the project. Hall said he asked for approval in December and April 25 finally received a written response signed by Jason Schulist, Len Liuzzi and Dave Nagy. In part, the response to Hall's request read, “the Architectural Committee finds that your improvement would not be not be consistent with the aesthetics of the intent of the subdivision. Furthermore, it is unclear based upon neighbors' feedback that this kind of mechanical improvement on the front of your house is acceptable to them at the current time.” Pheasant
View Homeowners' Association President Dee Heinze said the
group “looked at the big picture,” with the committee's
ruling within the association's Covenants and Restrictions. “We
talked with our developer, Dick Lewiston, and he said we have
the right to approve or disapprove based on our discretion,”
Heinze said. “We want to keep the overall feel of the
neighborhood of how he developed it. That's our goal. Hall
said he's considering just putting up the solar panels, but
is consulting with an attorney to understand the legal ramifications. It's not the first time Hall, a licensed engineer, has used innovation to make his 3,600-square-foot house green. “The metal studs were made with recycled metal,” Hall said, “and I have a high-efficiency boiler that saved me 30 percent in heating costs over the first three months I used it.”
Local
Solar Company Participates in National SOLAR TOUR Open House
- October
4th, 2008
Visit the Mechanical Energy Systems Demonstration Center and see a wide variety of working solar applications that can be retrofitted to existing homes and businesses, as well as integrated into new development. “The tour demonstrates that solar energy can, and has worked reliably right here in cloudy, cold Michigan for over 30 years” explains Donna Napolitano co-owner and solar specialist. Donna and her husband Joe have been installing, distributing and servicing solar systems around Michigan and Ohio for almost three decades. “The solar tour is a great opportunity for the public to see and touch the systems,” states Joe.” We can answer questions and share our solar expertise with you as you walk through our building and discover how you can control your future energy needs by using the sun already on your roof.” MES uses solar products in daily operations. The office and warehouse is lit with Solatubes, brighter and more secure than skylights with no damaging ultraviolet rays. Water is heated by the sun and supported with a Solar Boiler, and computers and phones are powered with wind and Photovoltaic (electric) systems. A solar wall brings in heat and fresh air removing the chill and improving indoor air quality while Solar Hot Air Panels assist the heating of the building during the winter months. Also, learn about the advantages of Solar Attic Fans and Solar Pool Heating systems. MES also offer high efficiency heating and cooling HVAC equipment to promote energy conservation, for those not ready to move to solar. Local
Solar Company Recognized Waste Knot was first implemented in 1998 as a way to recognize businesses, schools, non-profit agencies, and governmental agencies for their contributions to waste reduction. The Washtenaw County Solid Waste Program sponsors the Waste Knot Award Program. A family run company, MES founders Joe and Donna Napolitano have been providing solar solutions for over two decades. “There are so many ways homeowners can take control of skyrocketing utility prices simply by harvesting the free solar energy beating on their roof today” says Donna. “Much of the fossil fuels used today are not necessary to heat water or forced air, or even the pool. The simplicity of using the suns’ warmth to directly heat air and water is both elegant and reliable.” Recognized as the best in their field MES walks the talk. MES headquarters is a working living demonstration center. Powered by solar energy, including solar thermal space heating, fresh air pre-heat (solar wall), a hot water system, solar day lighting, a wind generation grid-tie, and Photovoltaic back up. Additionally, MES has a high 95% efficiency furnace, state of the art air conditioner, and ventilation system working with zoning applications, managed by programmable thermostats throughout the building. In the office MES regularly reuses paper, folders, mugs and utensils, and toner cartridges. In addition to the standard recyclable items, MES also recycles scrap metal, Freon and packing materials. These applications have produced significant energy and waste reduction, require little maintenance and greatly reduce the carbon footprint of MES and all their clients. Donna and Joe also provide education throughout the community and through training sessions to the curious every third Thursday of the month. Plymouth
Green Street Fair - May
3 & 4, 2008 Healing
Garden Journal - March
2008 Dealer
Solar Pool Heating Seminar - February 18, 2008 Novi
Home Improvement Show - January 25-27, 2008 Renewable
Energy Town hall Meeting (River Rouge, MI) - November
8, 2007 D-BUSINESS
MAGAZINE ARTICLE - November, 2007 MICHIGAN
INTERFAITH POWER AND LIGHT (Monroe, MI) - October
11, 2007 DTE'S
ENERGY EFFICIENCY SEMINAR - September 11- November 4, 2007 HOME
IMPROVEMENT GUIDE FEATURE - September
2007
21ST CENTURY RENEWABLE ENERGY PLAN - June 11, 2007 State Representative, Marc Corriveau, unveiled his 21st Century Renewable Energy Plan at the offices of Mechanical Energy Systems. The proposed energy plan included provisions to boost renewable energy production in the state of Michigan, attract cutting-edge industries and grow the Michigan economy. The plan would also help reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil and make Michigan more self-sufficient in meeting its energy needs. “Michigan can become a leader in renewable energy, and a powerhouse in the 21st century global economy, “ stated Corriveau. For more information regarding this and other pending energy legislation, please contact your local State Representative or Senator. EARTH
DAY OPEN HOUSE (Canton, MI) - April
21, 2007 REPRESENTATIVE
LAJOY DISCUSSES ENERGY TAX CREDITS
|
A Canton man who installed solar energy panels on his roof has started producing hot water and reducing his family's utility costs after settling a lawsuit he filed against a homeowners association that initially sought to block his efforts.
Canton,
MI. Dec.2009 – Using the highest solar efficiency technology
available today Mechanical Energy Systems Inc. (MES) has just
installed the largest 8kW solar electric (PV) residential
system in Wayne County. New micro inverter technology controls
the solar panel at its cellular level maximizing all of the
sunlight collected raising the bar of solar electric (PV)
applications available today. 
Canton,
MI –Mechanical Energy Systems (MES), a certified Uni-solar
installer was chosen to install the EnerGen solar electric
system on Governor Granholm’s residence in Lansing.
Mechanical Energy Systems is southeast Michigan’s largest
and oldest solar energy company. President of MES Donna Napolitano
and her husband and co-founder Joe Napolitano, Chief Operation
Officer have been designing, installing, and servicing solar
systems in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana for three decades. 
Surprisingly,
Michigan is an excellent location for solar energy and the
governor is helping to demonstrate this by installing the
system on the residence. Even with the cold, rain and cloud
Michigan has more annual sunlight than Germany, one of the
highest users of solar energy. Mechanical Energy Systems encouraged
by the governor’s support and practical applications
of this viable and underused energy source looks forward to
the future of solar here in Michigan.
Last
year more than 115,000 attendees visited some 5,000 buildings
in 2,900 participating communities. Now in its 13th year,
the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society coordinates this
event nationally. It takes place annually during the first
Saturday in October in conjunction with National Energy Awareness
Month. 
MECHANICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
Headquarters: 8130 Canton Center Rd. • Canton, MI 48187 • phone: (734) 453-6746 • (800) 29-SOLAR
The Solar Specialist and eco1Energy are divisions of Mechanical Energy Systems.
Authorized dealer of SunPower, Luxaire, Enphase, Solatube.