LAPEER, MI -- The state's largest utility-owned solar park is now up and running in Lapeer.

The solar park with 200,000 panels situated on more than 250 acres at Demille Road and Turrill Road and will produce enough energy to power up approximately 11,000 homes.

DTE Energy broke ground on the project in spring 2016, in collaboration with the city of Lapeer.

"The Lapeer project has been extremely positive for our residents," said Lapeer Mayor William Sprague, in a news release. "It has called attention to Lapeer not only throughout the state but nationwide."

The utility company boasts solar energy now makes up 7 percent of its' renewable energy portfolio, having invested $170 million in solar energy since 2008 in the efforts.

DTE currently powers 450,000 homes from 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy, according to figures provided by the company.

Irene Dimitry, vice president of business planning and development for DTE, said the company plans to reduce carbon emissions by more than 80 percent by 2050 "in a way that works for Michigan's economy, homeowners and businesses."

The reduction will be achieved by increasing renewable energy into the company's energy mix, transitioning all-day power sources from coal to natural gas, and continuing operation of the Fermi 2 nuclear plant, Dimitry added.

DTE operates a total of 13 wind parks and 31 solar arrays across the state, including the O'Shea solar park in Detroit on 10 acres of previously vacant land.

For those interested in touring the new solar field, DTE has scheduled a Lapeer Solar Celebration from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14.

The event is set to include a hayride tour of the solar park along with face painting, cider, donuts, and live entertainment. Participants can park at Mott Community College's Lapeer campus, 550 Lake Drive, and take a free shuttle to the site.

Registration for the event is not required, but it is requested and can be completed at LapeerSolar.rsvpify.com.