LIBRARY

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! 

Listed below are sources of information that will empower public officials, community leaders, and neighbors with factual information supporting the economic and environmental benefits of clean solar energy to Michigan and its rural communities.

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This 100% solar community endured Hurricane Ian with no loss of power and minimal damage

CNN

Climate resiliency was built into the fabric of Babcock Ranch with stronger storms in mind, and Hurricane Ian was a major test.
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Drought Threatening Farmers and Food Supply. Solar Farming Provides Stability During Times of Crisis

MSN News

Farmers, agricultural economists and others taking stock of this summer’s growing season say drought conditions and extreme weather have wreaked havoc on many row crops, fruits and vegetables, with the American Farm Bureau Federation suggesting yields could be down by as much as a third compared with last year.
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Solar’s Impact On Rural Property Values

AG-Web Farm Journal

Meanwhile, a survey by the University of Texas at Austin asked 37 appraisers a series of questions about property value impacts based upon proximity to utility-scale solar projects.
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Goodland to host public hearing likely sometime in April

Tri -City Times Online

The California company hoping to create a solar development has formally submitted their plans to Goodland Township.
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BEES, SHEEP, CROPS: SOLAR DEVELOPERS TOUT MULTIPLE BENEFITS

U.S. News

“There's lots of spaces where solar could be integrated with really innovative uses of land,” said Brendan O'Neill, a University of Michigan environmental scientist."
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Orion hopes to submit applications in early 2022 for 100 megawatt project

Tri-City Times Online

The life of the project is considered to be 25 years, Imlay City Schools is expected to see the most in new tax revenues at $2.89 million. That equates to about $115,600 per year. Lapeer County is estimated to receive $1.66 million over 25 years, followed by the Lapeer County Intermediate School District at $1.28 million.
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Michigan’s Utility Scale Solar is About to Boom – Is the State Ready for It?

Solar Builder Magazine

State officials and university researchers last week released what they’re calling a first-in-the-nation tool that’s meant to address the issue: a database of all solar ordinances in the state.
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As Solar Booms in Michigan, Townships Tackle Land Use Questions

Energy News

Across the state, multiple large-scale projects have been proposed or are at different stages of development. 
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Michigan Utility Ordered to Seek Out More Renewables

Greentech Media

The regulators' decision could to provide a boost to solar developers already active in the state's PURPA market.
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Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

State of Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in February 2019 signed Executive Order 2019-06 that created the Department of Great Lakes, Environment, and Energy. The executive order expanded the duties of the former Department of Environmental Quality to include as a priority an added focus on energy and climate issues as they affect the state and its residents.
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A 100-acre Solar Array Will Save MSU Money, Increase Renewable Energy Use

Lansing State Journal

The MSU Board of Trustees voted 7-0 on Friday to pursue a 10-year power purchase agreement for the construction of a 20-megawatt solar array on 100 acre.
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Pittsfield Planning Commission Recommends Solar Farm Approval

Mlive.com

Plans for a 70-acre, $50 million solar farm in Pittsfield Township will advance to the township board after Planning Commission recommendations were approved Thursday night.
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McCarthy Construction is Looking for 300 Local Workers for Michigan’s Largest Solar Farm

Solar Power World

McCarthy plans to hire more than 300 craft workers and general laborers to construct the project, the majority of whom are being recruited from the local community, and is seeking applicants for positions ranging from entry level to experienced, including laborers, operators, crew leads, electricians and journeyman electricians.
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Shiawassee Co. Solar Farm Brings More Than 300 jobs to Area in 2020

WNEM

The solar project brings jobs, tax revenue, and investment to Shiawassee County. The project will generate a $3.2 million increase in household earnings through the creation of more than 300 jobs during construction, with approximately $16 million being spent in Shiawassee County.
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Shiawassee Solar Farm Project Still has 250 Job Openings Starting at $15 an HouR

MLive.com

About 250 jobs tied to construction of a solar farm covering 1,200 acres in two townships that border western Genesee County are still available with pay starting at $15 an hour.
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CLEAN ENERGY IS GOOD ECONOMIC POLICY FOR MICHIGAN

Clean Energy

Last month Gov. Gretchen Whitmer set a goal for Michigan to be carbon-neutral by 2050, a bold move that will bring more jobs and industry to the state.
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CONSUMERS ENERGY CHIEF SEES SOLAR FUTURE FOR MICHIGAN

Bridge Michigan

Patti Poppe used to run coal plants for DTE Energy. Now she’s CEO of CMS Energy and subsidiary Consumers Energy. Her company vows to retire all of its coal plants by 2040, filling the void solely with renewable energy and tools like efficiency.
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MICHIGAN SOLAR INFOGRAPHIC/FACT SHEET

SEIA

More information about solar energy in Michigan.
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DEVELOPERS INCREASINGLY WEIGH ADDING SOLAR INSTALLATIONS TO PROJECTS

MiBiz

The 308 solar panels installed atop St. James Apartments and Townhomes will help reduce electricity costs included in the rents for residents in the project’s 36 affordable housing units.
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HARVESTING THE SUN

Tri City Times

A California-based company is making plans to construct a commercial size solar array on land between Bowers and Kohler roads.
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MICHIGAN CLEAN ENERGY YEAR IN REVIEW

NRDC

Michigan has the chance to turn the existential threat of climate change into opportunity. Clean energy is a solution to both the climate crisis, and to Michigan’s economic recovery from COVID.
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