DTE Energy, in collaboration with the City of Lapeer, Mich., is planning to bring 45 MW of new solar generating capacity to Michigan through two solar projects that will generate enough energy to power 9,000 homes with clean, zero-emission solar energy.
The larger project, which will total 30 MW, is to be located off Interstate 69 between Michigan Highway 24 and Lake Nepessing Road. When finished, it will be the largest operating utility-owned PV solar array east of the Mississippi and the third largest in the U.S.
The second project, totaling 15 MW, will be developed simultaneously at a site located on Turrill Road between Michigan Highway 24 and Clark Road.
DTE was able to move forward with development after the Michigan Public Service Commission approved its contract with Inovateus Solar MI LLC to develop solar generating capacity of up to 50 MW. The company is evaluating other sites for the remaining 5 MW of the approved generating capacity.
Construction on the projects is expected to begin this spring.
