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Solar Resources

Solar energy development is rapidly growing in Michigan as technology and price continue to become more accessible. For both small-scale and utility-scale projects, the resources below can help identify the right policies for your community.

Communities around the state are exploring solar power to offset the costs and emissions of other energy sources. Solar panels provide a flexible alternative to coal and gas power plants that can allow communities to produce clean energy for local residents and the rest of the state. These resources will help you prepare, plan, and zone for solar energy production in your community.

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Michigan Planning & Zoning Guidebook

Planning and Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Local Governments in Michigan, produced by Michigan State University and University of Michigan, includes an overview of solar energy, principles around how solar might fit within land-use patterns across the state, and sample zoning ordinance language.

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Integrating Solar Energy into Local Plans

Solar@Scale, produced by the American Planning association, provides in-depth information on integrating solar into local plans and decision-making processes.

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Landowner Solar Lease Guide

Farmland Owner's Guide to Solar Leasing from the National Agricultural Law Center includes a checklist for landowners to consider in negotiating a solar lease.

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SolarAPP+

SolarAPP+ is a platform tool that automates permitting of solar energy for local governments. 

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SolSmart

SolSmart is a national designation program that provides free technical assistance to local governments who take action to promote solar energy growth in their own community.

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Guidance for Solar Installations on Landfills

EGLE MMD encourages the post-closure use of landfills for photovoltaic (PV) solar array projects and provides guidance on things to consider when planning for solar on landfills.

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Webinars on Planning & Zoning

A series of three webinars, produced as part of the Clean Energy & Energy Management webinar series, provide information and answer questions about planning and zoning for solar energy.

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More Resources

A table of additional documents and websites on preparing, planning, and zoning for solar energy production.