LANSING - As a result of the Community Solar Program, a solar array will be constructed in East Lansing at Burcham Park. The solar program allows customers to participate in BWL's renewable energy program. John Krzystowczyk, Energy Analyst, Energy & Eco-Strategies at BWL says that "the purpose of the solar park is to allow customers to invest in renewable energy when they might not otherwise be able to...people who maybe don't have a roof appropriate for solar, can invest and ultimately participate in our program."

The solar program/solar park will be funded via customers who participate. Customers will receive a monthly credit on their electric bill. The BWL also benefits by using the instillation of the park to meet some of our renewable energy goals -- an increase in solar production leads to a decrease in the use of fossil fuels.

How is this program funded? Via customers who participate and sign-up to lease a solar panel, which costs $399 per panel.

Krzystowczyk says that residents are in support of this new addition to the community. "We had two surveys: one that was specific to East Lansing and one that covered Lansing and East Lansing. We had several hundred people answer the survey and it was overwhelmingly positive responses. They said they were interested and willing to invest in a community solar project."