Consumers Energy announced its plans to commence construction on Blackman Solar, a new 30-acre community solar array in Jackson County.
This project is a component of the company’s Solar Gardens program, which aims to produce electricity by the end of 2025 and supply renewable energy locally.
David Hick, the Vice President of Consumer Energy, said, “Blackman Solar is a great example of a partnership with a community to develop a project that delivers reliable, clean energy as well as local tax and economic benefits.”
He added, “We’re grateful for the reception we’ve received from Blackman Township leaders and are excited to continue developing solar projects like this on our path to a carbon-neutral electric grid.”
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Blackman Solar will generate power for Consumers Energy’s Solar Gardens community solar program, allowing customers to support new solar projects without needing solar arrays.
This will be the company’s fourth community solar facility, adding to the arrays in Cadillac, Grand Valley State University, and Western Michigan University.
With almost 5,000 solar panels, the new solar facility can produce up to 2.5 megawatts of sustainable energy, which can power 2,500 Solar Gardens clients.
Additionally, it will broaden the scope of Consumers Energy’s MI Sunrise program, which gives municipalities, nonprofit organisations, tribal governments, and consumers who meet income requirements access to solar energy.
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Blackman Solar’s expansion aligns with Consumers Energy’s larger Clean Energy Plan, which seeks to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and the phase-out of coal as a power source by 2025.
As part of Michigan’s transition to a clean energy future, the company is dedicated to supplying 90% of its customers’ energy needs through renewable sources, such as wind and solar.