A Solar Gardens project at Grand Valley State University. Photo courtesy Consumers Energy.
(September 19, 2024 10:07 AM ET) Consumers Energy announced today its plans to break ground next spring on Blackman Solar, a new 30-acre community solar array in Blackman Charter Township. The solar facility will provide local clean energy to customers through its Solar Gardens program and will be located north of County Farm Road and east of Blackman Road.
Consumers Energy this week received approval from Blackman Township for the community solar project, which is slated to start generating electricity by the end of 2025.
“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,” said David Hicks. Consumers Energy’s vice president of renewable energy development. “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.”
Blackman Solar will generate power for Consumers Energy’s Solar Gardens community solar program, in which customers choose to support new solar projects without having to own solar arrays.
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 include nearly 5,000 solar panels and will generate up to 2.5 megawatts of renewable electricity for 2,500 future Solar Gardens customers.
“Blackman Solar will help meet increased demand for community solar and offers shared solar infrastructure, accessibility and inclusivity, as well as financial and environmental benefits for all customers,” Hicks said.
The company is developing solar projects as part of its Clean Energy Plan to be carbon-neutral by 2040.
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