DTE Energy plans to expand its solar power portfolio by installing an array in the city of Ypsilanti near Clark Road and River Street. The new installation plan is part of DTE Energy’s SolarCurrents pilot program.
The new solar array will comprise about 2,800 solar panels and have capacity to generate approximately 800 kilowatts of electricity. DTE Energy has signed an easement agreement with the property owner and will move forward with system design. Also, DTE Energy will construct, operate and maintain the solar system for the20 years. City approval is now applied, and DTE Energy hopes to obtain the approval and construct the facility by summer 2016.
"Representatives of the City of Ypsilanti and DTE Energy have been working for several years to bring this project to the city,” said City Manager Ralph A. Lange. "We are thrilled that this project will produce clean solar power for the residents of Ypsilanti and neighboring communities."
DTE Energy SolarCurrents was launched in 2009. DTE Energy has installed nearly 10 MW of solar energy across 22 sites in Southeastern Michigan. The company also is constructing a 1.1-MW array at Domino's Farms near Ann Arbor and a 750-kW installation in Romulus. In addition, several other solar energy projects are in development.
Dimitry added that the solar projects have helped DTE Energy meet a state mandate requiring electric utilities to supply 10% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.