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.
EGLE's Renewable Energy Academy is a hub for links, resources, and technical assistance requests for all things large-scale renewable energy, including solar, battery storage, and wind.
Planning and Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments, 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, sample zoning ordinance language, and a training webinar on how to utilize it.
Solar@Scale, produced by the American Planning association, provides in-depth information on integrating solar into local plans and decision-making processes.
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.
SolarAPP+ is a platform tool that automates permitting of solar energy for local governments.
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.
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.
A table of additional documents and websites on preparing, planning, and zoning for solar energy production.
