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Doug Marrin
The Dexter Area Fire Department (DAFD) Administrative Board has approved a solar energy project for all three of its fire stations, authorizing the department to enter into a contract with Ann Arbor-based Homeland Solar for the installation.
The project will install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems at the department’s stations on North Territorial Road, Webster Church Road and Main Street in the City of Dexter. DAFD Chief Doug Armstrong explains the investment is intended to reduce long-term operating costs, improve energy sustainability and take advantage of federal clean-energy incentives currently available to governmental entities.
“The Board viewed this project as an opportunity to make a smart investment in the future of the Fire Department and the communities we serve,” says Armstrong. “By generating a significant portion of our own electricity, we can reduce long-term operating expenses and better manage future utility costs. Every dollar saved on operating expenses is a dollar that can remain focused on emergency response, equipment, training, and service delivery. We are excited to move forward and look forward to the long-term benefits the project will provide.”
Cost and Savings
The total project cost is approximately $273,700. Based on the current federal Direct Pay incentive program, the department expects to recover about 40% of the project cost, reducing the net cost to approximately $164,000. Department projections estimate the investment will pay for itself in about six years while generating more than $865,000 in utility savings over 25 years.
The proposed systems include:
- Main Street Station in Dexter: 51.43-kilowatt system
- Webster Church Road Station: 47.87-kilowatt system
- North Territorial Road Station: 52.78-kilowatt system
Together, the systems are expected to generate nearly 186,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
Homeland Solar Selected
The department evaluated five proposals based on cost, projected energy production, compliance with the request for proposals, municipal experience and the ability to complete the work in 2026. Homeland Solar received the highest overall ranking among the five bidders.
According to the department’s evaluation, Homeland Solar offered the lowest project cost while also projecting the highest annual energy production, making it the best overall value. The company was selected over Srinergy, Michigan Solar Solutions, Harvest Solar and Oak Electric.
Backup Power Remains Unchanged
The solar systems will be connected to the DTE Energy electrical grid and will operate alongside each station’s existing emergency generator system.
During a power outage, the solar arrays will automatically disconnect from the grid in accordance with utility safety requirements. The fire stations’ emergency generators will continue to provide backup power.
The project is expected to be completed in 2026, pending final permitting and approvals.
Featured photo: Contractors continue working through the final punch list at Dexter’s new Main Street fire station before the facility officially opens. The station is one of three Dexter Area Fire Department facilities slated to receive rooftop solar panels under a newly approved department-wide energy project. Photo by Doug Marrin
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Doug Marrin
Karen Lambert
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