TRAVERSE CITY — Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) received board approval Thursday to install a solar-covered parking canopy and battery storage system at its Hall Street Customer Service Center. The project, developed in partnership with KEEN Technical Solutions, will transform an existing paved lot at 130 Hall Street into a dual-purpose clean energy asset.
The installation includes a 46.4 kW solar canopy and a 15-kWh battery storage system designed to generate electricity while maintaining the site’s primary function as a parking area. This initiative aligns with the utility’s strategic priorities regarding environmental sustainability, technology transition and customer experience.
The canopy will feature 78 bifacial solar modules held by a cantilever design. This specific structure allows the paved parking lot to remain fully accessible for vehicles, emergency equipment and snow removal operations.
Brandie Ekren serves as the executive director for TCLP. She described the installation as an example of how utility providers are shifting their approach to local infrastructure. “This project is a small but meaningful example of how utilities are evolving,” Ekren said. “We have an opportunity to rethink how everyday infrastructure serves our community—making it more productive, more resilient and more connected to the future of energy.”
Inside the Customer Service Center, visitors will be able to use a kiosk display to view live system data. This interactive feature is intended to show renewable generation and battery storage in action. Jake Hardy, sustainability and key accounts manager at TCLP, said the utility wants to use the site to provide firsthand observations for customers. “TCLP is committed to helping our community understand how renewable energy technologies work—and how they can deliver real value for homes and businesses,” Hardy said.
KEEN Technical Solutions is providing the technical implementation for the solar and storage systems. Jamie Vaughn, senior project manager and solar systems specialist at Keen, noted that the pairing of solar modules with battery storage helps manage energy costs. “Keen is proud to partner with TCLP to bring sustainable energy solutions into the public eye,” Vaughn said. “The canopy transforms an underutilized parking area into a clean-energy source while providing shade and protection. Paired with battery storage, it enhances reliability during outages and helps reduce energy costs through peak demand management.”
Beyond public education, the project serves as a training ground for the utility’s workforce. TCLP personnel will use the installation to acquire hands-on expertise in the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of solar and battery systems. The data collected from the site will be integrated into the utility’s intelligence platform to improve operational knowledge.
While the 46.4 kW system is relatively small, utility officials stated it will act as a catalyst for making better use of parking areas and other impervious surfaces to lower emissions. The project is intended to support the utility’s long-term sustainability goals and strategic priorities.
Once complete, the Hall Street installation will serve as a visible demonstration site to help the community understand how solar and battery systems integrate with the local grid. The project will continue to support employee development and community awareness efforts.