MUSKEGON — Consumers Energy said Monday it has started operating Muskegon Solar, the company’s largest solar project to help power Michigan.
According to a Jan. 5 news release, the 1,900-acre project sits at the Muskegon Resource Recovery Center and generates 250 megawatts of electricity, which the company said is enough to power about 40,000 homes and businesses.
Consumers Energy said construction of the solar array created more than 200 construction jobs.
“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.
Consumers Energy said Muskegon Solar is the largest of its current solar projects, which include three others at Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University and in Cadillac. The company said it continues to develop solar, wind, natural gas and battery storage in Michigan.
Consumers Energy said the project includes more than 550,000 panels arranged in 5,200 rows that rotate to follow the sun’s path, generating energy from sunrise to sunset.
“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,” said Chad Cotter, a vice president in the construction group at Burns & McDonnell.
“We are grateful for the support of Moorland Township and Muskegon County, and are excited to produce more energy here in Michigan for our friends and neighbors,” Maddipati said.