Escanaba to install solar panels

ESCANABA — More and more, people are looking for ways to save money on energy, especially in the Upper Peninsula. One U.P. city is making progress on going green, or solar.

The city of Escanaba has agreed to lease over 12 acres of land from Delta County to install solar panels. With over 3,500 panels, which will be installed west of the Delta County Airport, the benefits will be countless.

“We’re going to make it community solar, so panels will be available for purchase by residential or business customers,” said Electric Superintendent Mike Furmanski. “Economic development–wise, it will give customers that want to buy more green energy the opportunity to do so.”

The project will save the city an average of only one percent on their energy services, but will help them nonetheless. The project is expected to start next week, and be completed by the end of August.