Burns & McDonnell breaks ground on 297 MWdc Consumers Energy solar project in Michigan

Burns McDonnell Consumers Energy solar Michigan

Consumers Energy is embarking on its first large-scale solar project. The utility tapped Burns & McDonnell to build the 297 MWdc (250MWac) project, which has just broken ground in Muskegon County, Michigan.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project represents a key part of Consumers Energy’s plan to add 8,000 MW of utility-scale solar power by 2040.

Burns & McDonnell is leading the project, using an integrated engineer-procure-construct (EPC) approach. The integrated EPC scope of the firm also includes site permitting, substation construction and the interconnection generation tie. The Burns & McDonnell team consists of the firm’s union self-perform construction arm, AZCO, working closely with local and other Michigan-based union labor.

“We are excited to work with local trades and union halls across Michigan to build out solar within the state,” said Drew Powers, construction project manager at Burns & McDonnell. “This project not only helps Consumers Energy advance in renewable energy but also supports the local economy.”

Located across 1,900 acres, the Muskegon Solar Energy Center is expected to generate enough energy to power approximately 40,000 homes annually.

“Consumers Energy has some of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the nation and advancing projects like this put us on a clear path to achieving them,” said David Hicks, VP of clean energy development for Consumers Energy. “Every project we bring online helps lower bills for our customers in the long term while also providing significant tax revenue for the community and better serving our planet.”

Some key components of the project include First Solar Series 7 modules, Array Technology trackers, Siemens Gamesa inverters, and Shoals Technologies Group and CAB Solar Cable Management tools.

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