An innovative clean energy collaboration between auto manufacturer Ford, utility Detroit Edison and energy storage systems builder Xtreme Power plans to bring to Michigan one of its largest solar energy systems, which will be used to help in the production and usage of electric vehicles. The system will be installed at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant.
The collaboration, as explained by Ford, will
find the maker of the new Focus and Focus Electric cars as well as other next
generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles working with Detroit Edison to
install a 500 kw solar photovoltaic panel system at its plant in Wayne,
Michigan. This system will be tied into a 750 kw energy storage facility, with
technology provided by Xtreme Power, that can store two million
watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average
When the plant is inactive, such as holidays,
added Ford, the collected solar energy will go into the energy storage system
for later use, providing power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent
sunlight. The system will also be able to recharge from the grid during
off-peak hours when energy is available at a lower cost, reducing peak demand
needs. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be integrated at a later
date to power lighting systems and, in addition, Ford will install 10 electric
vehicle-charging stations at its plant to “demonstrate advanced battery
charging technologies using renewable energy and other smart-grid advances.”
“With this solar energy system, we will be
able to gain vital understanding about the integration of renewable power,
smart-grid technologies and energy storage at an industrial facility,” said Jim
Tetreault, Ford vice president, North America Manufacturing, in a statement.
“This project is a part of the transformation of Michigan Assembly from a large
SUV factory to a modern, flexible, and sustainable small car plant.”
businessweek.com