Consumers Energy expands community solar program with Michigan project

Consumers Energy plans to break ground next spring on Blackman Solar, a 2.5 MW community solar facility in Jackson County, Michigan, that will provide energy to consumers through its Solar Gardens program.

The company has received approval from Blackman Township for the project, which includes 5,000 panels and is expected to begin generating power 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 tax and economic benefits,” said David Hicks, vice president of renewable energy development at Consumers Energy.

“We are grateful for the welcome we have received from Blackman Township officials and look forward to continuing to develop solar projects like this one as we move toward a net-zero carbon grid.”

The new community solar facility will be the fourth owned and operated by Consumers Energy, joining other Solar Gardens projects in Cadillac, Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.

Blackman Solar will also provide new capacity to expand Consumers Energy's MI Sunrise income-based Solar Gardens program, which serves municipalities, nonprofits and tribal governments.