Blackman Solar Garden Groundbreaking
BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich., May 2, 2025 – Kokosing Solar joined local leaders, Consumers Energy representatives, and members of the Jackson County community today for the Blackman Solar Gardens groundbreaking —a 2.5 megawatt (MW) community solar facility that will power approximately 2,500 homes and businesses when completed by the end of 2025.
The ceremony marked the official start of construction on Consumers Energy’s fourth community solar facility, expanding its Solar Gardens program. Spanning 30 acres and featuring nearly 5,000 solar panels, the Blackman Solar Gardens site will offer Michiganders a new opportunity to participate in renewable energy without installing solar panels on their own homes or properties.
“We want to continue working with the community as we build Blackman Solar. And we hope to find more opportunities in the future. We want to collaborate with more local leaders interested in developments just like Blackman Solar.” said David Hicks, Consumers Energy’s Vice President of Clean Energy Development.
As the design-build contractor, Kokosing Solar will manage all phases of construction, including sitework, single-axis tracker installation, panel and inverter installation, and system commissioning.
Brady Phillips, Vice President of Kokosing Industrial’s Private Industrial Group, addressed attendees during the groundbreaking event.
“We’re honored to be part of this forward-looking project for Jackson County and the state of Michigan,” said Phillips. “Kokosing has been building essential infrastructure since 1951, and our solar division has delivered solar projects since 2000—25 years of navigating the ‘solar coaster.’ We’ve gained resilience, expertise, and a deep commitment to quality.”
Phillips emphasized Kokosing Solar’s local hiring and focus on skilled union labor, noting that 20 local tradespeople will be employed at peak construction. “These are good-paying, future-focused jobs that stay right here in the community,” he added.
Construction is underway and will continue throughout the year. The Blackman Solar Gardens facility is expected to begin generating renewable electricity by December 2025.
Kokosing Solar is proud to partner with Consumers Energy on a project that provides long-term value to Michigan’s ratepayers while helping the state transition toward a more sustainable energy future. Project updates and construction milestones will be shared in the months ahead.
