Grand Valley, Consumers Energy break ground on Solar Gardens project

Officials from Grand Valley and Consumers Energy, along with local, state and federal officials, broke ground October 2 on a new community solar project. 

The 17-acre Solar Gardens, scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2016, will be the largest community solar project in Michigan. It will be located on the Allendale Campus, south of Pierce Avenue near 48th Avenue.

"The Solar Gardens will serve as an extension of the classroom and will give students and faculty members opportunities to learn about renewables and make a difference in the future of energy," said Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas. "We have a strong commitment to sustainability at Grand Valley, so we are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase that commitment."

Upon completion of the approximately 11,000-solar-panel project, Grand Valley will participate in the Solar Gardens program as a customer; interested customers can start enrolling later this year. 

Dan Malone, senior vice president of energy resources for Consumers Energy, said Grand Valley is helping Consumers take a Michigan-first approach to a sustainable future. 

Also in attendance were U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland; Rep. Roger Victory, D-Grand Rapids; Jerry Alkema, Allendale Township supervisor; and John Quackenbush, chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission. 

Consumers will be responsible for all construction and operating costs of the project. 

For more information, visit www.consumersenergy.com/solargardens.