Utility breaks ground on solar power project

Utility breaks ground on solar power project

A group of solar panel arrays face skyward. Photo via wikimedia.org

A utility has begun construction on a solar power project in the region.

Indiana Michigan Power said an estimated 50,000 solar panels are planned for a 35-acre site in Watervliet Township, northeast of St. Joseph.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site last week. Plans call for it to generate enough electricity to power about 650 homes annually.

Local officials have approved a permit request for the project, called the Watervliet Solar Power Plant.

Last year, the utility announced that it planned to develop a solar power generating project at the site, as well as others in Indiana.