Consumers Energy Starts Operating Muskegon Solar, Helping Meet Michigan's Energy Needs

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) began operations on Jan. 5, 2026 for Muskegon Solar, a 1,900-acre array at the Muskegon Resource Recovery Center that generates 250 megawatts—about enough to power 40,000 homes and businesses. The project uses over 550,000 panels arranged in 5,200 rotating rows to follow the sun and produced more than 200 construction jobs during buildout. Muskegon Solar is the company’s largest solar installation and complements other projects at Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University and Cadillac.

The company says the project supports its broader mix of solar, wind, natural gas and battery storage to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy to Michigan customers and to serve part of its customer base of 6.8 million residents across the Lower Peninsula.

Positive

• 250 MW generating capacity
• Powers approximately 40,000 homes and businesses
• Largest company solar project at 1,900 acres
• 550,000+ solar panels in 5,200 rotating rows
• Created over 200 construction jobs

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-1.35%

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-1.35% News Effect

On the day this news was published, CMS declined 1.35%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

1,900-Acre Project is Company's Largest Solar Array

MUSKEGON, Mich., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy today announced the start of operations for Muskegon Solar, its largest solar project to help power Michigan.

Muskegon Solar sits on 1,900 acres at the Muskegon Resource Recovery Center, generating 250 megawatts of electricity – enough to power about 40,000 homes and businesses. Construction of the solar array created over 200 construction jobs.

"Consumers Energy is building the electric grid of the future to serve Michigan homes and businesses. Muskegon Solar provides an example of the reliable, cost-effective projects we're creating to make sure we continue to meet our customers' needs," said Sri Maddipati, Consumers Energy's president of electric supply.

Muskegon Solar is by far the largest of Consumers Energy's current solar projects, including three others at Western Michigan University, Grand Valley State University and in Cadillac. Consumers Energy continues to develop solar, wind, natural gas and battery storage in Michigan.

Consumers Energy looks to innovate and improve the efficiency of its energy-generating projects. Muskegon Solar's over 550,000 panels are arranged in 5,200 rows that rotate to follow the sun's path, generating energy from sunrise to sunset.

"This project is a testament to the skill and dedication of the local men and women building it, and we're proud to partner with Consumers Energy on such a landmark project for the region," says Chad Cotter, a vice president in the construction group at Burns & McDonnell.

"We are grateful for the support of Moorland Township and Muskegon County, and are excited to produce more energy here in Michigan for our friends and neighbors," Maddipati said.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

Learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com.

FAQ

What is the capacity of Muskegon Solar and when did Consumers Energy start operating it?

Muskegon Solar has 250 MW capacity and began operations on Jan. 5, 2026.

How many homes and businesses can Muskegon Solar power for Consumers Energy (CMS)?

The project generates enough electricity to power about 40,000 homes and businesses.

How large is the Muskegon Solar site and how many panels does it use?

The site covers 1,900 acres and uses over 550,000 solar panels arranged in 5,200 rotating rows.

What local economic impact did Muskegon Solar have during construction for Consumers Energy (CMS)?

Construction created more than 200 construction jobs in the Muskegon area.

How does Muskegon Solar fit into Consumers Energy’s overall energy strategy (CMS)?

Muskegon Solar is the company’s largest solar project and complements its solar, wind, natural gas and battery storage portfolio to support reliable, cost-effective energy for Michigan customers.