• The Harris Nature Center has already installed its own panels

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township and Consumer's Energy are hoping to collaborate on a new Solar Garden, which is to be constructed within the Township. A solar garden is a large solar array stretching several acres which pumps renewable solar energy into the power supply.

The solar gardens project is an initiative of Consumers Energy out of Jackson, and one of the largest power companies in the state. The company plans on constructing three solar garden facilities around the state and, with the other two locations already decided on, wants the third to be in Meridian Township. If they feel the program is successful, they hope to construct more and expand their interest.

The project is a chance for residents to show their support for solar energy and is an educational opportunity for both individuals and Consumers Energy. The array will provide a smaller economic drain on the community and have a smaller impact on the environment, as well as circumventing dependence on not only imported fuel but nonrenewable fuel in general.

Solar gardens also offer flexibility to their community. Arrays are not geography-dependent and can be constructed most anywhere. A centralized location is also a huge advantage over personal installations for several reasons. Firstly, it allows the community to pool it resources, which results in a final product that is greater than the sum of its parts. It also eliminates the need for personal installations as it is already tied right into the main electrical grid infrastructure, which allows people to support cleaner energy when they otherwise could not, either from lack of finances or a shaded home.The fact that it is handled by a company also means a dedicated maintenance staff.

Meridian Township is searching for a location of 3-7 acres with much in the way of sun exposure, which would ideally be easily seen from the road. The land cannot already be preserved or protected in any way.

While still optimistic, Consumers wants a spot chosen by the end of the year so it can begin construction in late spring 2016. Several communities have also expressed interest in the project, and if Meridian Township ends up unable to clinch a location for this project, the township is still very interested in locations for other solar projects. Other similar solar projects in the area are being conducted by Board of Water and Light and Michigan State University.

Customers of Consumers Energy can invest in the project by purchasing shares of the array. A share represents a 500 Watt equivalent section of solar panel, and share investors will receive a return based on the productivity of that section of array.