Michigan-based utility Consumers Energy has announced that its Muskegon Solar project is now operational.
Spanning 1,900 acres, Muskegon Solar is the utility’s largest active solar development and the most recent of four projects to begin operations, joining installations at Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, and in Cadillac.
Located at the Muskegon Resource Recovery Center, the project is capable of producing 250 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which is enough power for approximately 40,000 homes and businesses.
It is comprised of over 550,000 solar panels that rotate to follow the sun’s path to maximize efficiency and produce energy from sunrise to sunset.
Over 200 construction jobs were created during the development phase.
“Consumers Energy is building the electric grid of the future to serve Michigan homes and businesses. Muskegon Solar provides an example of the reliable, cost-effective projects we’re creating to make sure we continue to meet our customers’ needs,” said Sri Maddipati, Consumers Energy’s president of electric supply, in a statement.
As Michigan’s largest energy provider, Consumers Energy continues to develop solar, wind, natural gas, and battery storage solutions. It serves 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Chad Cotter, a vice president in the construction group at Burns & McDonnell, added, “This project is a testament to the skill and dedication of the local men and women building it, and we’re proud to partner with Consumers Energy on such a landmark project for the region.”
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