News
Solar Power Producer is New MAREC Business Tenant
January 02, 2014
A company that provides sustainable, on-site energy generation
systems is the newest tenant at Grand Valley State University’s MAREC,
Chart
House Energy, LLC
signed a one-year agreement with Grand Valley to occupy business
incubator space at MAREC. Founded in Chicago in 2009, the company
provides discounted, emission-free electricity through developing
sustainable clean energy generation systems — such as solar panel
installations — for commercial, industrial and governmental facilities.
Founder and President Robert Rafson, who has 27 years of
experience in environmental engineering, design, construction and
operations, built the largest solar PV project in Michigan at Torresen
Marine in Muskegon in 2010. He said the facilities at MAREC are
supportive to businesses starting up or expanding into the area.
“I’ve found many activities and other businesses in the building
that are aligned with our business plan,” Rafson said. “MAREC is a
great place to work and meet with others in the renewable energy space
in an open and convenient environment.”
Arn Boezaart, director of MAREC, said the goal of MAREC and Chart
House Energy is to build a large and ever-growing portfolio of
renewable energy projects. “We are actively working together to
advance interest and utilization of commercial-scale solar energy
projects that take full advantage of available incentives, renewable
energy financing and tax credits,” Boezaart said. “We will assist
Chart House Energy in becoming a self-sustaining Michigan independent
power producer.”
Originally Posted on GVNext