Solutions
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Delta Solar
Grand Ledge, Michigan
Performance
Single-axis trackers enable collection modules to follow the sun's course throughout each day
Capacity
44,200 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy its first year
Planet
Carbon offset provided by the projects is about equivalent to planting nearly 800,000 trees
Overview
Delta Solar project (Delta Solar Power I or DSP-I, and Delta Solar Power II or DSP-II) is a two-phase renewable energy project yields a total capacity of 24 megawatts (MWAC) for the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL). The nearly 200-acre photovoltaic facility is located in Delta Township Michigan, and is comprised of three separately metered arrays located on four privately owned parcels situated north of Sundance (Millett) Highway and west of Interstate 96/69.
BWL serves residential, commercial and industrial electric, water, chilled water and steam customers in the Lansing area. As a municipal power authority, BWL is tax-exempt, preventing it from capturing project investment tax credits needed to help lower delivered costs. NorthStar Clean Energy’s ownership enabled BWL to receive cost-effective renewable energy for its customers through tax credit monetization.
Solutions
NorthStar Clean Energy and EDF Renewables Distributed Solutions constructed and commissioned both phases of the Delta Solar project. DSP-I—consisting of 8.1 MWAC output on one parcel—began commercial operation in June 2018. DSP-III, built on three nearby land parcels and consisting of 15.9 MWAC of output, began commercial operation in July 2018. All four rolling and lightly wooded land tracts are well suited for solar PV use and will minimally impact neighbors, wildlife and the environment.
The 24-MWAC solar arrays feature 86,400 modules of 335 to 340-watt/module capacity, 400 DC/AC inverters of 60-kilowatt (kW) capacity, and 4,800 single-axis tracking systems, each holding 18 modules arranged in rows. Power generated flows from the three arrays to BWL’s Canal Road Substation via two 13.8-kilovolt (kV) express circuits. Power produced is used by homes, farms and businesses served locally by the Canal Road Substation in Delta Township. Remaining energy flows into BWL’s power grid serving the Lansing area.
“NorthStar Clean Energy acquired the Delta Solar project and became the facility’s owner/operator after construction started. It was the start of a very good relationship. The project was completed on time, and Delta Solar has performed flawlessly.”
— Dick Peffley, General Manager, Lansing (Mich.) Board of Water & Light
Key Goals & Results
- Safely building the solar arrays without injuries, on time and on budget.
- Delivering clean, renewable energy to BWL, diversifying its generation mix to include solar-based renewable energy.
- Adding about $9 million in economic impact to the region.
- Utilizing local professionals and tradespeople hired to construct and maintain the facility.
