DTE Energy, one of the largest investor in solar energy in the U.S., is teaming with Domino's Farms and Ford Motor Company to build and operate the two largest solar arrays in Michigan. The two projects will generate enough electricity to power approximately 355 average-sized homes.
"These large-scale solar projects are examples of how DTE partners with customers to build a more sustainable future," said Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy vice president, Business Planning & Development. "These projects, as well as our investment in wind energy, have helped us meet Michigan's renewable energy goals and diversify our energy portfolio."
DTE Energy will construct, operate and maintain the solar arrays for 20 years.
One of the two arrays is a solar project at Ford Motor Company’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, which has started operating since last year. The 1MW solar canopy installed at the parking lot covers 360 parking spaces and is connected with 30 charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles. This solar canopy is the second-largest solar carport in the Midwest.
Aside from the operational Ford Motor project, DTE Energy is currently constructing a 1.1MW PV solar installation at Domino's Farms, which will be completed and operational by the end of the year. The project will comprise more than 4,000 panels on property.
"This will be a great addition to the many unique and sustainable features we have on our properties," said Paul Roney, president of Domino’s Farms. "Just as important, this solar installation will generate the equivalent of one-quarter of the energy consumed at Domino's Farms each day – a clean, sustainable energy solution."
Both the Domino’s Farms and Ford Motor Co. projects are part of SolarCurrents. A pilot program launched in 2009. DTE Energy has installed nearly 10 MW of solar energy across 22 sites in metro Detroit and in Michigan's "Thumb" area.