DTE Energy building two solar sites planned to be largest in Michigan
LAPEER, MI – DTE Energy plans to build what would be Michigan’s largest solar array in Lapeer this spring, the company announced.
DTE is billing the project as the largest utility-owned solar array east of the Mississippi River. About 9,000 average-sized homes will be able to be powered by two sites putting out 45 megawatts of new “clean, zero-emission” solar energy, DTE Energy officials said.
“It’s definitely one of a kind,” spokeswoman Jennifer Wilt said today, Dec. 21, of the plan.
The larger of the two Lapeer projects will produce 30 megawatts and be on 200 acres of city-owned property off of I-69 between M-24 and Lake Nepessing Road, DTE said.
It will be the largest operating, utility-owned photovoltaic solar array east of the Mississippi and the third largest in America, officials said.
The second project will be built at the same time on 100 acres of city-owned land on Turrill Road between M-24 and Clark Road, the utility company said.
DTE would not release how much the projects cost because they’re still negotiating with contractors. The company estimated it would cost under $2 per watt.
The city is leasing the land to DTE, but the cost was not released because the sides are still negotiating.
“DTE is the largest investor in solar in the state,” said Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy vice president of business & development, in a statement. “The development of the two new Lapeer solar projects furthers that investment and reflects DTE Energy’s broader commitment to build a more sustainable future for our customers through a cleaner, more diversified energy portfolio.”
