LANSING (AP) – The Lansing Board of Water & Light plans to install a large solar array as part of the expansion of its renewable energy portfolio.

General Manager Dick Peffley tells the Lansing State Journal that an up to 186-acre array of solar panels would be installed in Eaton County’s Delta Township near General Motors’ assembly plant. Details are expected to be announced later.

The solar project would generate enough energy to power at least 3,500 homes. Under the plan, the Board of Water & Light would purchase the power from groSolar under an agreement that would last 25 years and support a substation in the township.

Peffley says the project would be paid for by a “small” surcharge the municipal utility already is collecting. Construction could start this fall.