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Clean Energy in Michigan Series

Communities around the state have planned for and developed wind and solar energy projects on rural, urban, and brownfield sites. The lessons learned during these processes are applicable to future projects in a variety of settings. These fact sheets and case studies will answer common questions about renewable energy development and help you understand how communities across Michigan plan for clean energy.

Solar Energy Webinars

Check out these webinars highlighting the steps needed to plan and zone for utility-scale solar energy in municipalities throughout Michigan.

Wind Energy Webinars

Check out these webinars highlighting the steps needed to plan and zone for utility-scale wind energy in municipalities throughout Michigan.

Michigan Clean Energy Fact Sheets & Case Studies

Image fact sheet 1 Landowner

Wind Turbine Economic Impact - Landowner Payments (No. 1)

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.

Image fact sheet 2 Employment

Wind Turbine Economic Impact - Local Employment (No. 2)

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.

Image fact sheet 3 Planning

Collaborative Planning for Renewable Energy (No. 3)

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.

Image fact sheet 4 Compare

Comparing Solar and Wind Proposals (No. 4)

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.

Image fact sheet 5 Cadillac BF

Cadillac Community Solar (No. 5)

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.

Image fact sheet 6 Coldwater BF

Coldwater Solar Field Park (No. 6)

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.

Image fact sheet 7 Oshea BF

O'Shea Solar Park - Detroit (No. 7)

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.

Image fact sheet 8 E Lansing BF

East Lansing Community Solar (No. 8)

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.

Revising Regulations for Wind Energy image

Revising Regulations for Wind Energy (No. 9)

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.  

Planning for Renewable Energy image

Planning for Renewable Energy: Huron (No. 10)

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.  

Banning Natural Gas Connections image

Moving Toward Carbon Neutrality: Banning Natural Gas Connections (No. 11)

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.

Facts about solar panel contamination image

Facts about Solar Panels: PFAS Contamination (No. 12)

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.

How Local Governments can Lead for EVs image

How Local Government Can Lead the Way on Electric Vehicles (No. 13)

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

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Repowering Wind Energy Projects (No. 14)

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.

Communities and Zoning Keeping Up with Tech image

Communities and Zoning: Keeping up with Technology (No. 15)

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 from renewable energy

Renewable Energy: Providing a Spectrum of Potential Community Benefits (No. 16)

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.

Factsheet on renewable energy participation

Participatory Processes for Renewable Energy Projects (No. 17)

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.

Factsheet on pathways to 100% renewable energy

Community Pathways and Recommendations for 100% Renewable Energy Commitments (No. 18)

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