BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, MI – Work to build a 30-acre, 2.5-megawatt solar array for Consumers Energy is underway in Jackson County.

The Jackson-based utility company held a groundbreaking of the Blackman Solar Gardens project on Friday, May 2, according to a news release.

The project, which includes nearly 5,000 panels, is slated to generate enough electricity for 2,500 future solar customers by the end of the year.

“In addition to its environmental benefits, renewable energy is increasingly cost competitive and provides flexibility to respond to emerging needs, adapt to changing conditions and embrace innovative technology,” David Hicks. Consumers Energy’s vice president of clean energy development, said in a statement. “By participating in these programs, customers can save money and contribute to a greener Michigan.”

Located at the corner of Blackman and County Farm roads, it’s be part of a community solar program, allowing customers to support development and power generation without having to own installations.

The program aims to be an easy, cost-effective option for users to offset their carbon footprint, according to the company.

It’s Consumers’ fourth community facility after joining other solar gardens projects in Cadillac and at Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.

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