Ford, Detroit Edison, and Xtreme Power are partnering to convert the carmaker’s Michigan Assembly plant into one of the state’s largest solar power generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations. The combined systems are expected to give Michigan Assembly the largest solar power array in Michigan and save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs. Installation of the system begins later this year.

In addition, Ford will team with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system at Michigan Assembly which will be integrated with a 750-KW energy storage facility that can store two million watt-hours of energy using batteries. The renewable energy generated by the solar system will help power production of Ford’s new Focus and Focus Electric cars in 2011, as well as its next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles expected in 2012.

Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing says with this solar energy system, the car maker “will be able to gain vital understanding about the integration of renewable power, smart-grid technologies and energy storage at an industrial facility. This project is a part of the transformation of Michigan Assembly from a large SUV factory to a modern, flexible, and sustainable small car plant.”

The solar energy installation is funded by a $3 investment by Detroit Edison’s SolarCurrents program that calls for photovoltaic systems to be installed on customer rooftops or property over the next five years to generate 15 megawatts of electricity throughout Southeast Michigan. The Michigan Public Service Commission contributed a $2 million grant and Ford contributed approximately $800,000.

Detroit Edison’s vice president of Marketing & Renewables, Trevor Lauer, says the partnership with Ford “is just the latest example of how our companies have worked together to power the economic engine of Southeast Michigan. Building solar energy systems on the scale we’re pursuing will increase demand for these technologies, and we’re working with the governor’s office and various economic development organizations to attract renewable energy manufacturers and green jobs to Michigan.”

The Michigan Assembly will operate on both renewable and conventional electricity. The solar energy will go directly into the microgrid to help provide power to the plant. When the plant is inactive, the solar energy will go into the energy storage system for later use, providing power during periods of insufficient or inconsistent sunlight. Additionally, the energy storage system can recharge from the grid during off-peak hours when energy is available at a lower cost.

Carlos Coe, Xtreme Power CEO, says his company shares a commitment with Ford “to fostering an environmentally sustainable model of energy use in the U.S., and this joint project is indicative of just how far we’ve come. We are proud to work together to help transform vehicle manufacturing into a sustainable process powered by clean, renewable energy.”

Ford will also install 10 electric vehicle-charging stations at Michigan Assembly which will be used to recharge electric switcher trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. Xtreme Power will provide an active power management system on the charging stations. Ford also will demonstrate that electrified vehicle batteries can be used as stationary power storage devices once their useful life as vehicle power sources is over.

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