Dan Terpstra
Vision, Policy, Progress, and Action.
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Target goals
My goals are simple but seem massive. I’m working to create diplomatic common sense policy that helps everyone from now until the future.
Ideas to change the world:
- Forced Corporate Responsibility: Change state zoning to require all large corporate buildings such as warehouses, data centers, factories, and office parks to be infrastructure ready for solar on the roofs before building. Any building receiving tax breaks should have implementation of solar or wind installed prior to opening, and any data center needs to be build with LEED certified methods; namely sunk down into the ground at least ⅔ to lower cooling costs. Additionally, all data centers need to utilize closed loop cooling.
- Legislative Changes:
Implement plug-in Solar statewide and allow balcony solar for all. - Local Zoning Changes:
Create zoning change for residential wind within city limits of Grand Rapids.
About Dan…
My name is Dan Terpstra and my history includes technology roles in a large corporation for over a decade, an award-winning photographer with over 20 years working with Presidents, CEOs, Community Leaders, and 1,000s of families, a behind the scenes Diversified Energy Evangelist, a Solar Sales Engineer, and a leader in both a local environmental group as well as community event project manager.
My goals are to help the community visualize and realize solid changes that will create a sustainable future.
Diversified Energy History
Summer 2006 approached Grand Rapids City Commission meeting to allow residential rooftop solar. Zoning changes were adopted.
July 28, 2007 purchased my first daily solar item; A Casio Watch that recharged and didn’t require a battery.
July 2015 purchased a travel solar panel for Peruvian hike through the Andes.
2018-2020 tried many smaller solar panels for charging battery banks. Learned the realities of small vs large systems.
June 2021 spoke to permitting office of Grand Rapids about potential of Ground Mount solar within typical set-backs of the zoning conditions. Zoning changes were done to allow ground mount solar within the city as a result.
August 2021 added 11.84 KWh DC system to roof including 32 Panasonic 370W panels on 4 arrays.
Summer 2023 spoke to city zoning leaders about “street facing” solar limitations and realities of production possibilities. Zoning changes were adapted to allow east and west facing panels as a result of the conversation.
July 2023 gave a presentation for the Green Home Institute in conjunction with The Green Panel to educate homeowners on the realities of and potential of solar.
September 2023 added additional 5.6 KWh DC ground mount system consisting of 14 Panasonic 400W panels on adjustable racking.
2025-2026 Began using large battery banks with modular solar to run photo booths, backup services in the home, and more.
December 2025 lobbied Lansing Lawmakers on benefits of Community Solar and helped to see the logic. Legislation still pending as of August 2026.
April 22, 2026 Participated in introduction of the Green Ammendment for the Generations in Michigan with Rep. Donavan McKinney, Sen Sue Shink, Rep. Rachel Hood, and Rep. Phil Skaggs.
Spring 2026 Presented “Solar 101 Masterclass” for the Kent County Environmental Action Team to thoroughly educate potential solar customers and help avoid scam companies.
Blog
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