DTE Energy will install a solar field at GM’s Detroit-Hamtramck assembly Plant that can generate about 516 kilowatts of pure solar energy, which will be to charge up to 150 Chevrolet Volt extended range electric cars every day.
The 264,000-square-foot project is expected to be completed at the end of the summer and will save the facility approximately $15,000 per year over the 20-year easement agreement.
DTE Energy will own and operate the system as part of its Solar Currents program, which is installing photovoltaic systems at sites such as Monroe County Community College and a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan parking structure in downtown Detroit.
The Detroit-Hamtramck facility was chosen because it has available space for the array and because it is home to the Chevrolet Volt.
“This isn’t only going green for green’s sake,” said Bob Ferguson, GM’s vice president of global public policy. “This is about reducing this plant’s environmental footprint and reducing our bottom line.”
