As part of an ongoing renewable energy purchase program, Michigan-based utility Consumers Energy has selected 22 new solar projects offered by businesses and homeowners across Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
‘We continue to see a healthy interest in solar energy from the Michigan residents and businesses we serve, and we're pleased to add these to the more than 200 contracts for solar power we already have in place,’ says Tim Sparks, Consumers Energy's vice president for energy supply operations.
Consumers selected five non-residential projects in four counties. The projects will provide 546 kW of electric capacity, and they range in size from 21 kW to 150 kW. In addition, the utility has chosen 17 residential customer projects in 13 counties. Those projects will provide about 171 kW of electric capacity and range in size from 2.5 kW to 20 kW.
The utility chose the new projects as part of the company's Experimental Advanced Renewable Program. The program provides for the long-term purchase of renewable energy generated by solar power systems owned by electric customers.
Consumers Energy also notes that it is on target to meeting Michigan's 10% by 2015 renewable portfolio standard, thanks to resources such as solar and wind energy, biomass, hydroelectric power and anaerobic digestion.
