TRAVERSE CITY - The Bay Area Transportation Authority or BATA, has been given an $800,000 solar grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The grant will be used to put 650 solar panels on the roof of the BATA headquarters.
The goal is for the solar panels to offset the cost of the electricity in the building which could save BATA $63,000 a year in utilities. BATA is focused on limiting their environmental impact on the planet and the solar panel project will play a big part in that.
“Having a project like this to have solar electricity, that also translates into our EV vans that we’re piloting just creates a full circle in that connection because you’re powering the EV vans with your solar power from the roof of your headquarters. It’s just a great way to be environmentally friendly and provide an essential service,” says Eric Linguar, Director of Communications and Development.
The next steps are for BATA to purchase and install the solar panels by Spring 2025.