DTE Energy Dedicates SolarCurrents Project At IHM Sisters

MONROE -- DTE Energy and the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, dedicated a 518-kilowatt solar energy system at the IHM Sisters property in Monroe Friday morning.

The $2.6 million solar energy system, with more than 2,000 photovoltaic modules, covers three acres and connects directly with the DTE Energy electric grid. The solar installation has the capacity to power nearly 70 homes.

The array is part of DTE Energy's SolarCurrents pilot program that calls for the installation of photovoltaic systems on customer rooftops or property.

"We at DTE are proud of our partnership with the IHM Sisters and our role in meeting Michigan's renewable energy goals," said Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy chairman, president and CEO. "And it is projects like this that demonstrate the importance of having a diversified energy portfolio in our state -- whether from solar, wind or biomass -- in order to achieve greater energy independence."

DTE Energy will have more than 20 megawatts of solar energy in its renewable portfolio by 2015 through utility-owned and customer-owned projects.

"As IHM celebrates our 10-year anniversary, we are remembering the wonderful ways in which IHM sisters and partners together became a learning community and experienced transformation of the motherhouse and campus into a learning laboratory for sustainable living," said Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM president. "Today marks another significant milestone along that journey as we continue our commitment to sustainable living and learning."

DTE Energy will own, operate and maintain the solar energy system, the second in Monroe County. Monroe County Community College was the first participant in the SolarCurrents utility-owned program.

DTE Energy expects to invest about $1.5 billion by 2015 to add 1,000 MW of renewable energy. In addition to the solar installations, DTE Energy has acquired or built wind parks and other green energy facilities across the state.