The ownership of Chelsea Plank Flooring, a Michigan-based hardwood flooring manufacturer, has recently embarked on a new venture they have named Great Lakes Applied Power. Starting as a small solar project to power an off-grid pole barn, Great Lakes Applied Power now offers solar-powered systems, for off-grid structures, solar emergency power systems as well as solar-powered contractor trailers.

            David Frame, the owner of Great Lakes Applied Power, says, “Our new alternative power systems solve issues with power outages, as well as applications where standard line power is either unavailable or impractical. It’s nice to stay warm and to keep your frozen foods frozen when you lose power!” He explains, “By adding a battery bank to a solar or gas generator backup power system, the lights stay on when the sun goes down or your generator will only run a fraction of the time. This also allows homeowners to purchase a smaller, less expensive gas generator and save 60 to 80 percent in fuel usage.”

            Shortly, Great Lakes Applied Power plans to add a hybrid system to their product offerings that will also reduce the amount of energy needed from the utility company.

Location: 740 W. Industrial Dr., Chelsea. For more information, call 734-897-0550.