Ford, DTE Energy Plan Solar Array at Ford World HQ
A rendering of what the solar array at Ford World will look like upon completion
Ford is paving the way for employees at their World Headquarters to charge their plug-in electric vehicles while they work by teaming with DTE Energy to create the largest solar array in Michigan. The 360-parking-space-sized solar array will boast 30 charging stations and will be the second largest solar carport in the Midwest (right behind the 1.1-megawatt solar carport at the Cincinnati Zoo.
“Ford has a long history of innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company. “Our fundamental purpose as a company is to make people’s lives better. We do that by creating outstanding products, by investing in communities where our employees live and work, and by using technology to tackle global sustainability challenges. Those beliefs are embodied in this project.”
The solar array will generate 1.038 megawatts of electricity, which is roughly enough to power 158 homes. Over the course of a year, it is expected to offset around 794 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Per the agreement between Ford and DTE, the Detroit-based energy provider will construct the solar array and then be responsible for its operation and upkeep for 20 years. Construction is expected to get underway next month with a launch date of early 2015.
Ford and DTE Energy previously paired up in 2010 for a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at the Wayne, Michigan Assembly Plant.
Source: Ford Motor Company
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