Ford Motor in joint venture with DTE Energy has planned to build largest solar array at Ford World Headquarters, Michigan.
The solar canopy will have 1.038 MW electricity generating capacity capable to power 158 homes.
It will be the second-largest solar carport in the Midwest and will reduce the amount of electricity consumption of Ford pulls.
The solar array will offset 794 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
The project will employ 360 people and the facility will consist of covered parking spaces and 30 plug-in EV charging stations like Ford Fusion Energi and C-MAX Hybrid Energi.
DTE Energy will be responsible for construction, operation and maintenance of the carport for 20 years. Construction will begin in September and will be completed in early 2015.The entire project will be funded by DTE Energy.
In addition, a kiosk will be established providing information to visitors about solar power including Ford carport details.
Ford has a history of innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Company tries to make people’s lives better by creating outstanding products, investing in communities and using technology to harness sustainability challenges, which are alive in this project, said, Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motors.
The installation is part of an initiative launched by DTE Energy in 2009 called SolarCurrents and aims to fulfill their commitment to generate 10 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2015.
This project will help both companies to work together to meet Michigan’s renewable energy goals and diversify energy portfolio, said, Irene Dimitry, vice president, marketing and renewables, DTE Energy.
In 2010, Ford and DTE Energy has teamed up to install a 500 KW solar PV panel system at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne.