GM plants solar field at Chevrolet Volt factory

Looking to put a charge in its eco-friendly image, General Motors is installing a 264,000-square-foot solar field at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant that builds the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid sedan.

The solar field, being built in cooperation with utility DTE Energy, will generate 516 kilowatts. GM says that’s enough power to charge up 150 Volts every day for a year.

GM expects to save $15,000 a year in power costs at the plant with the solar field.

“Making sustainable choices is good for both the environment and our bottom line,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president of public policy for GM.

Built on a tract of land on the south side of the plant to maximize solar output, the project is expected to be complete by the end of the summer.

Here’s hoping the skies clear up soon in the Motor City so that this project actually delivers some power.

By Julie Alvin