Detroit Edison invited business and education to take part in its 15 MW "SolarCurrents" photovoltaic pilot program
The U.S. utility Detroit Edison is a subsidiary of DTE Energy. The company announced recently that it was looking for several businesses and educational institutions with large rooftops or ground area to host solar energy installations. For the development of its "SolarCurrents" program, the company plans to install PV systems on customer rooftops or properties, generating a total of 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity throughout its Southeast Michigan service area over the next five years.
The program will receive a $100 million investment from Detroit Edison and it requires customers’ participation for 20 years. The company will be the owner of the solar energy systems, handling all operation and maintenance services, while customers will get an annual credit on their energy bill in return. System size will be the determinant factor in setting the amount of the return, as well as a one-time, upfront construction payment that is to cover any inconvenience during installation.
Trevor Lauer, DTE Energy Vice President, retail marketing commented: "SolarCurrents represents one of the largest distributed solar programs in the country, which will provide opportunities to the emerging solar manufacturing industry. The program also will encourage the development of new green energy projects by providing financial incentives to non-residential customers interested in solar energy systems."
According to Detroit Edison reports the company will not stop the incentives to residential customers who install their own photovoltaic (PV) systems.
The company is looking for participants that own a facility with 15,000 square feet of unobstructed roof in good condition, or a similarly sized area on the ground. Applications will be received until April 29th, 2010.
Nearly 2 billion US-dollars are planned to be invested by Detroit Energy to add more than 1,200 MW of renewable energy to meet the Michigan's renewable energy goals. The company also wants to acquire or build wind farms and other green energy facilities for half of that capacity, and contract with third party vendors for the rest.
