BWL breaks ground for Michigan’s largest solar power array

     Lansing Board of Water & Light General Manager J. Peter Lark was joined today by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in a groundbreaking ceremony for the largest solar cell array in Michigan.
     “Today, we are making energy history in the State of Michigan,” Lark said. “Not only is the BWL building Michigan’s largest solar project, we are underscoring our state leadership role in acquiring clean, renewable energy.
      “This is only the beginning,” Lark added. “The Cedar Street Solar Array is a pilot project. We intend to build other solar arrays in the coming years, and will continue stocking our generation portfolio with various types of renewable energy, including biomass, landfill gas, hydro and wind.”
       The Cedar Street Solar Array will be built in the 100 block of Lansing’s South Cedar Street, directly east of the BWL’s Dye Water Conditioning Plant. Currently at the site is a BWL underground water reservoir. The 10-million gallon reservoir will continue to operate normally below ground, while the solar array will generate solar-powered electricity above ground.
      “Using this site for dual purposes is a ‘marriage’ of our two key utilities, electricity and water,” Lark said. “From one site in downtown Lansing, we will deliver both clean water and clean energy to our customers.”
      The solar array is expected to be operational by mid-December. There will be 432 solar panels in the array. Combined, they will furnish electricity sufficient to power about 50 homes.
      Solar energy is one path the BWL is pursuing in its quest for acquiring more renewable energy. The BWL has already signed an historic agreement to buy electricity generated from landfill gas (methane).
      In 2007, the BWL became the first utility in Michigan to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard – a policy setting specific goals for acquiring renewable energy. Recently, new energy legislation was signed into law, requiring all Michigan utilities to have 10 percent of their energy originating from renewable sources by 2015.
       “Our early commitment to renewable energy puts the BWL ahead of the curve,” Lark said. “I am confident the BWL will meet or exceed the state’s 10 percent renewables mandate.”

Note to media: Frequently Asked Questions about the solar array are available on request.

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