Consumers Energy Offers New Rooftop Solar Pilot Program for Michigan Households

JACKSON, Mich., May 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy announced today that it has started a new solar energy pilot program, giving Michigan residents another option to help build a clean future for our state.

Consumers Energy's new Solar Distributed Generation (DG) Pilot program allows customers to put solar panels on the rooftops of their homes, working with industry-leading solar provider SunPower to offer Michigan customers a full-service home solar solution.

"At Consumers Energy, we're rolling out new programs for Michigan residents as we all do our part for the environment," said Dennis Dobbs, Consumers Energy's vice president of enterprise project management, engineering and services. "We are pleased to respond to the growing interest we see from Michigan residents in generating their own solar energy."

Customers who visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/solarpilot can learn about the pilot program and start exploring installation options, long-term financing, 25-year power and product warranty information and more. People who participate in the program will:

• Earn bill credits when they generate more electricity than they need.
• Still receive the electricity they need from Consumers Energy when they aren't generating electricity.
• Own the solar system. A solar panel warranty will cover the replacement, shipping and installation if something comes up.

"We look forward to supporting a sustainable energy future in Michigan through this program, which combines SunPower's 30 years of experience delivering high-performance solar solutions with Consumers Energy's 130-year history of providing reliable electricity to Michigan homeowners," said Martin DeBono, SunPower executive vice president. "SunPower offers record-breaking solar technology that generates up to 60 percent more energy in the same space over the first 25 years compared to conventional panels, while looking superb on any roof."

Consumers Energy has been recognized globally for its commitment to sustainable business practices. It reduced its carbon footprint by 25 percent last year when it closed seven coal plants across Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

This new solar pilot helps grow renewable energy for Michigan. Consumers Energy also has renewable energy options for customers, including its Solar Gardens community solar and Green Generationtm programs.

Customers are free to pursue solar distributed generation equipment, installation, financing, and maintenance services through alternatives other than the Solar DG Pilot, which is not regulated by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

Media toolkit

ROOFTOP SOLAR: Consumers Energy's new rooftop solar program: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/solarpilot

SOLAR GARDENS: Consumers Energy customers can help develop solar power plants in Michigan: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/solargardens

SUSTAINABILITY: Consumers Energy is helping build a sustainable future in Michigan. Read its Sustainability Report: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/sustainability

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SOURCE Consumers Energy