DTE Energy Kicks Off Panel Installation at Lapeer Solar Parks

By Alexandra Pacurar

DTE Energy’s solar park in Lapeer, Mich.

Lapeer, Mich.—DTE Energy, Michigan’s leading provider of solar energy, installed the first of the 200,000 solar panels that will go into the company’s two green energy parks in Lapeer, Mich. Both projects, spanning across a total of 250 acres, are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

The two solar parks take up 100 acres on Turril Road and approximately 150 acres off Demille Road. The latter is the largest utility-owned solar array east of the Mississippi River and is more than 15 times larger than any other solar installation in the state. The total amount of energy produced here—enough to power more than 9,000 homes—will be collected into the energy grid and distributed to those who need it.

DTE’s solar park off Demille Road is one of the largest utility-owned solar arrays east of the Mississippi River and more than 15 times larger than any other solar installation in Michigan. The second project is located off Turrill Road on 100 acres of land. All of the power generated by these facilities will be fed into the energy grid and distributed to those who need it.

“The Lapeer solar projects further our commitment to clean energy. Through the development of renewable energy projects, like solar, we are building a more sustainable future for Michigan and providing affordable, reliable, safe and clean energy to our customers,” said Irene Dimitry, VP of Business Planning and Development for DTE Energy.

Both projects will generate 150 temporary jobs during construction and five permanent positions, once the parks will become operational. DTE is also developing three other solar projects in Ypsilanti, at the GM Warren Transmission plant, and in Detroit. By the end of 2016, the company will be operating 31 solar parks capable of generating energy for more than 14,000 homes.

Image courtesy of DTE Energy