Ford, partners plot solar power system at Michigan plant

Ford, Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power plan to build one of Michigan's largest solar power systems at its assembly plant in Wayne.

According to Ford, the three parties will install a 500-kilowatt solar power system. The system will also tie into a 750-kw energy storage facility that can store 2 million watt hours via batteries.

With the move, Ford is attempting a virtuous cycle where the solar facility will provide power to produce its new Focus and Focus Electric cars and other hybrids. The solar plant is expected to save $160,000 a year. Ford plans to build another solar energy system to power the lighting at the plant.

Xtreme Power will provide on-site energy storage and power management systems.

As part of the solar installation, Ford will install 10 electric vehicle charging stations at the Michigan Assembly.

Ford has powered a few of its plants with alternative energy. Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre runs via wind turbines and its Bridgend Engine Plant in Wales has been retrofitted for solar power.

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com