Consumer Energy plans to break ground next spring on Blackman Solar, a 2.5 MW community solar array in Jackson County, Michigan, that is expected to provide energy to customers through the Solar Gardens program.
The company has received approval from Blackman Township for the project, which includes 5,000 panels and will begin generating electricity next year.
“Blackman Solar is a great example of partnering with a community to develop a project that delivers reliable, clean energy, as well as local fiscal and economic benefits,” said David Hicks, vice president of sustainable energy development for Consumers Energy.
“We are grateful for the welcome we have received from Blackman Township leaders and are excited to continue developing such solar projects toward a carbon-neutral electric grid.”
The new community solar facility will be the fourth that Consumers Energy owns and operates, joining other Solar Gardens projects in Cadillac, at Western Michigan University and at Grand Valley State University.
Blackman Solar will also provide new capacity to expand Consumers Energy’s income-qualified Solar Gardens program, MI Sunrise, aimed at municipalities, nonprofits and tribal governments.
