Grand Rapids filtration plant powered by solar

The City of Grand Rapids’ Lake Michigan Filtration Plant (LMFP) is now partly powered by on-site renewable solar energy, after the launch of a 0.90-mW AC, 2.95-acre, ground-mounted, behind-the-meter solar array in the northwest corner of the LMFP property.

The Grand Rapids Water Department is expected to save an estimated net $1.55 million over 24 years based on average annual electricity cost savings of $200,000. The array will generate 1.5 million kWh/year, which accounts for 10% of the LMFP’s electricity consumption. It’s expected to increase the city’s renewable energy performance from 37.5% to 41%, helping to continue progress on the city’s goal of 100% renewable energy for municipal operations by 2025.

Since early 2018, the city and its energy advisory committee have been evaluating the costs and benefits of installing on-site solar at eight of its facilities and properties.