Detroit City Council approves 20-year lease with DTE Energy to build a 10-acre solar energy array

The Detroit City Council on Tuesday approved a plan to build solar array and park on vacant land on the west side of the city.

DTE Energy will install 10-acre solar energy array on vacant city-owned land near Interstate 96 and Greenfield at the former O’Shea Park. The Council has unanimously approved a 20-year lease to DTE Energy.

DTE expects the project to generate more than $1 million in tax revenue for Detroit and produce enough energy to power about 450 homes. Under the terms of the 20-year lease, DTE will pay the city  $25,000 toward the park upgrades. DTE spokesperson in a statement said that the project will be completed by the end of this year.

Detroit planning and development director Maurice Cox said “I would absolutely want it in my community if it was immaculately designed,” he further added “this is probably going to be the best looking solar array in the country by the time we finish it.”

Energy from the solar plant will not directly power homes near the project, said Rodney Cole, DTE manager of regional relations.

“It’s just like any other generation-type of operation, the power goes into the grid,” Cole said. “It goes to the benefit of everyone that’s in the grid.”