Detroit launches ambitious solar energy initiative with new vendors

In a recent government meeting, officials outlined the progress of a solar energy initiative aimed at enhancing renewable energy infrastructure in Detroit. Following a Request for Information (RFI) conducted last fall, the city moved forward with an open and competitive bidding process, culminating in the selection of two vendors: DTE Electric and Lightstar, a Boston-based company.

The meeting detailed the scoring process used to evaluate five bidders, with the results documented in the Teter report. Both selected vendors bring significant experience to the project, with Lightstar having developed 20 solar arrays and DTE 30.

The initiative will roll out in phases, starting with three neighborhoods in the first phase, allowing for lessons learned before expanding to a total of six neighborhoods. Lightstar has been assigned to develop solar arrays on two sites: State Fair, covering 40 acres and generating over 7 megawatts, and Grama Findlay, which spans 23 acres and will produce just under 4 megawatts. DTE will manage a site at Van Dyke Lynch, also 40 acres, expected to yield just under 10 megawatts.

Importantly, the city will retain ownership of the land across all project sites, leasing it to the vendors for development. This strategic approach aims to bolster Detroit's renewable energy capacity while ensuring local control over the land used for solar energy production.