Detroit-based DTE Energy has begun construction on a solar generating facility in Romulus that will be operational by the end of the year.
“Solar is an important piece of DTE Energy’s renewable portfolio that will help us provide cleaner, affordable energy to the customers we serve,” says Irene Dimitry, vice president of business and development at DTE Energy.
The new facility, on Citrin Drive near I-94 and Middle Belt Road, will be comprised of more than 2,700 solar panels. The solar installation will have the capacity to generate 750 kilowatts of electricity, which is enough energy to power 125 homes.
The project is a part of a pilot program, called SolarCurrent, launched in 2009. DTE has installed 10 megawatts of solar energy across 22 sites in southeastern Michigan, including at Ford Motor Co.’s headquarters in Dearborn and at Monroe Community College.
“DTE Energy continues to explore large-scale solar energy projects as a cost-effective way to add solar energy to Michigan’s generation mix,” Dimitry says.
She says other new solar energy projects are in development. The program is in response to clean energy mandates established under the Granholm Administration.
