Detroit-based DTE Energy has completed the installation of three new solar projects in Romulus, Brownstown Township, and Avoca, northwest of Port Huron. The utility now has 26 solar arrays in operation, generating capacity to power 2,400 homes.
“Since 2009, DTE has invested more than $67 million in solar energy, supporting a cleaner, greener environment, and a more sustainable future for our communities,” says Irene Dimitry, vice president of business and development at DTE Energy.
Dimitry says one of the projects include the Greenwood Energy Center in Avoca, which can produce power for nearly 330 homes. The solar array became one of the largest active solar arrays in Michigan when it began operations last week. The Romulus Solar Array, on Citrin Drive near I-94 and Middle Belt Road, is expected to produce power for more than 125 homes and began operations in December. She says the Brownstown Township array, on Pennsylvania Road near I-75, can produce enough power for 84 homes.
DTE has four more solar projects in development in Ypsilanti, the GM Warren Transmission Plant, and two solar arrays in Lapeer. She says one of Lapeer solar projects will be the largest utility-owned solar array east of the Mississippi River when completed.
She says the addition of the new solar projects will help position DTE Energy to exceed a state mandate requiring electric utilities to supply 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources every year from 2015 to 2029.
