Associated Press

WATERVLIET TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Construction is starting on an Indiana Michigan Power solar power project in southwestern Michigan.

The utility says an estimated 50,000 solar panels are planned for a 35-acre site in Berrien County's Watervliet Township. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled Wednesday afternoon. Plans call for it to generate enough electricity to power about 650 homes annually.

Local officials have approved a permit request for the project, called the Watervliet Solar Power Plant.

Last year, the utility announced that the site was one of several solar power generating projects it was planning. Others are in Indiana.