Bringing Renewable Energy to Camp Michigania: An Assessment and Educational Plan for Implementing Renewable Energy Strategies

Abstract

Camp Michigania is a family camp for University of Michigan alumni and has been operating in Boyne City, Michigan since 1963. In order to become more sustainable, Michigania wanted to assess the feasibility of installing renewable energy at camp. It was important that there be a focus on creating educational materials and connecting campers to sustainability issues in order to have broader impacts both inside and outside Camp Michigania. To achieve this goal, the team was divided into two sections; educational and technical. The educational team conducted a comprehensive survey, created an outreach program for campers and donors, produced a website to track the progress of the project, designed child and adult educational resources, and built educational displays. The technical team obtained and analyzed energy use data, performed site analyses, solicited quotes and performed vendor reference visits, researched zoning ordinances, built energy and financial models, and identified the best renewable energy technology. The results of these analyses led the team to focus on a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system. Solar vendors were then compared on price, technology, and level of experience. The team recommends Sunventrix as the vendor and that a 19.76kW solar photovoltaic system be installed on the south-facing Dining Hall roofs.