DTE Energy begins operation of largest PV park in Michigan

October 10, 2017
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The installation, which is comprised of 200,000 solar panels, sits on 101 hectares of land and is one of the largest utility-owned solar parks east of the Mississippi River. Image: DTE Energy

DTE Energy announced that its Lapeer solar park, located in Lapeer, Michigan, is now operational and generating enough energy to power 11,000 homes.

The installation, which is comprised of 200,000 solar panels, sits on 101 hectares of land and is one of the largest utility-owned solar parks east of the Mississippi River. DTE Energy originally broke ground in the project in the spring of 2016.

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Irene Dimitry, vice president of business planning and development for DTE Energy, said: “DTE is committed to providing our 2.2 million customers with energy that is reliable, affordable and cleaner. DTE plans to reduce carbon emissions by more than 80% by 2050 in a way that works for Michigan's economy, homeowners and businesses.

“We will achieve these reductions by incorporating substantially more renewable energy into our diverse energy mix while also transitioning our 24/7 power sources from coal to natural gas, continuing to operate our zero-emission Fermi 2 nuclear power plant, and improving options for customers to save energy and reduce bills.”

Lapeer Mayor William Sprague added: “The Lapeer project has been extremely positive for our residents. It has called attention to Lapeer not only throughout the state but nationwide. I have received many calls from others in government regarding the project's benefits and what they can do to attract solar projects to their communities.”

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