New DTE Energy Solar Panel System Could be Built Near I-75, Long Lake Road

City of Troy officials agreed Monday night to work with DTE Energy to build a solar panel system property, just east of northbound Interstate-75 and south of Long Lake Road. 

The project would occupy about five acres on a 21-acre site owned by the city, believed by DTE to be a high-quality site based in part on visibility from I-75.

Following the City Council vote Monday night, city officials will work to negotiate a lease agreement between the city and DTE. The project also requires review and approval by the Troy Planning Commission, as well as a public hearing for a special land use approval, according to Troy Director of Economic and Community Development Mark Miller.

Representatives of solar developer/contractor team GenPoint Energy and Inovateus Solar, who spoke at Monday night's meeting, have worked with Troy city officials to push the project through at that site since late last year. If approved, the 1-megawatt solar panel system would be one of the largest operated by DTE.

The plan is built around creating renewable energy resources in local communities and Troy residents would indirectly benefit from solar energy harvested at the site, said Councilman Dave Henderson. Residents living nearby are not expected to have to deal with a noise factor beyond about 10 decibels after a 3-4 month period of construction, said Councilman Ed Pennington.

All capital costs would be paid by DTE and the city would collect an annual rent. 

Mayor Dane Slater expressed concerns of public safety regarding the location of the project in relation to I-75, including the potential of glare from the sun reflected on panels distracting drivers and the possibility of a car driving into the area.

The motion to approve the resolution, which allows city officials to work on a lease agreement with DTE, was affirmed by a 6-1 vote with Councilman Doug Tietz casting the nay vote. Per DTE, the agreement needs to be executed by April 17.

Stick with Patch for more this week from the City Council meeting!

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