Detroit's Solar Future - Empowering Communities

Rendering the Van Dyke/Lynch Solar Farm

Residents from the Van Dyke/Lynch neighborhood got their first glimpse of the solar array farm that will soon grace their area. The renderings showcase the carefully selected vegetation and the surrounding fencing, which were all picked by members of the neighborhood. This shows the community's commitment to shaping the look and feel of their solar project.

Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized that the solar fields would only be built where every single homeowner voluntarily agreed. No owner-occupied house would be taken through eminent domain. This approach ensures that the interests of the residents are at the forefront.

The State Fair Solar Array

The State Fair solar array is another remarkable part of Detroit's solar journey. Here, neighbors opted for vegetable gardens to be planted around the panels. This not only adds a touch of greenery but also allows for the production of food that can be shared within the community. It's a win-win situation for both energy and sustenance.

Construction on these solar arrays is expected to begin in the first half of 2025, marking a significant milestone in Detroit's transition to renewable energy.

Gratiot Findlay Solar Array

The Gratiot Findlay solar array site also has its unique charm. Neighbors came together to hash out the details of what they wanted the array to look like during various meetings with city officials. The rendering of this site gives a glimpse into the collaborative efforts between the community and the city.

For those living in the neighborhoods but not in the path of the arrays, they will have access to home improvement resources for house repairs. And for those whose properties are in the proposed array areas, they were given money for rent as they search for a new place to live.

The city's goal of running all municipal buildings with renewable energy by 2034 is driving these solar projects. With three solar arrays generating up to 33 megawatts of power, Detroit is taking a big step towards a sustainable future. The total cost of running the solar panels is about $5.5 million, with $4.4 million offset by renewable energy savings.