Last week at Grand Valley State UniversityConsumers Energy celebrated its first solar power plant. The plant covers 17 acres and includes 11,000 Michigan-made solar panels.

The 3-megawatt solar power plant on university property is the largest community solar project in Michigan, generating up to 3 megawatts, or enough electricity to serve 600 homes.

“We are pleased to energize Michigan with new, renewable sources of energy,” said John Russell, president and CEO of Consumers Energy.

Russell joined Grand Valley State University President Thomas Haas, Michigan Public Service Commissioner Norman Saari and community leaders to celebrate the Solar Gardens facility.

Consumers Energy is building a second site at Western Michigan University, which is expected to open late this summer, and is considering a mid-Michigan location.

More From 100.5 FM The River