Clean Energy in Michigan Series

This fact sheet addresses two questions about the economic impact of wind energy developments on landowners. The fact sheet compares and interprets the outcome of four wind development projects across Michigan.

This fact sheet addresses two questions about the impact of wind energy developments on local employment. The fact sheet compares and interprets the outcome of four wind development projects across Michigan.

This case study demonstrates how proactive community engagement can lead to better outcomes for future energy development. It describes the framework used to create the Gratiot Regional Excellence and Transformation (GREAT) plan in Gratiot County.

This fact sheet compares the impacts of two renewable energy projects—one solar, one wind—proposed in Shiawassee County, Michigan. Some of the most important factors the community took into consideration are presented.

This case study describes an example of a brownfield development – a ½ MW solar energy installation located in Cadillac, Michigan, on the site of a manufacturing facility destroyed by fire in 2013.

This case study describes an example of a brownfield development – a 1.3 MW solar energy installation located in Coldwater, Michigan, on the site of a demolished foundry.

This case study describes a 2.44 MW solar energy installation located in O’Shea Park, in the Grandale neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan. The site is a 20-acre park housing a 9.6-acre project.

This case study describes an example of a brownfield development - 430,000 kW solar energy installation located in East Lansing, Michigan, on the site of a retired, capped landfill.

This case study of Casnovia Township, a farming community in West Michigan, presents the realities of forming and adapting wind regulations. As the study shows, developing wind regulations is an iterative process, and the first attempt will likely not be the last or the best attempt.  

This case study of Huron County shows that community sentiment about renewable energy development can change over time. Once broadly supported as a land use compatible with the county’s agricultural goals, wind development has become an increasingly divisive topic among residents.  

Any community considering a ban on natural gas hookups should know that current Michigan law will make it difficult to enact. A better option for Michigan communities interested in transitioning away from natural gas would be to encourage the state legislature to amend the construction code.

This fact sheet debunks common myths about PFAS in solar panels. The fact sheet addresses the origins of rumors around PFAS in solar panels and explains the safer, effective alternatives that have already been developed and commercialized.

This article discusses three key ways that local governments can help encourage the development of EV infrastructure in their communities.

When a wind energy project reaches the end of its lifecycle, there are two options:  decommissioning or repowering. Learn more about repowering and how it intersects with local zoning ordinances.

As renewable energy technology changes over time, communities may need to update their zoning ordinance to keep pace. This fact sheet examines out-of-date ordinances, and presents steps for keeping your ordinance in sync.

Community benefits ensure that renewable energy developments improve the lives of area residents. This factsheet discusses community benefits and describes a range of community benefit scenarios.

This fact sheet discusses various participatory processes, which are strategies used to engage the community, increase public knowledge, and gain buy-in for renewable energy developments.

This factsheet summarizes the findings of a national survey to assess trends across city commitments to reach 100% renewable energy.