Detroit’s Neighborhood Solar Initiative

Detroit is transforming 165 acres of vacant land into clean energy production, bringing 127 municipal buildings to net zero while improving air quality and stabilizing neighborhoods. Led by Mayor Mike Duggan, this initiative is a major step toward Detroit’s goal of 100% renewable energy for municipal buildings by 2034.​

Project Overview​ ​ 

The Neighborhood Solar Initiative began in 2023, when 19 neighborhoods applied to host solar projects on vacant land. Each community played a role in designing site locations to replace blighted areas prone to illegal dumping with solar fields. After a rigorous selection process—including over 60 community meetings, site readiness assessments, and feasibility studies—five neighborhoods were chosen in two phases, prioritizing neighborhood impact and land restoration. The Office of Sustainability and the Department of Neighborhoods have continued working closely with residents to ensure their input shapes the project. See images below.​

Key Goals​ ​ 

• Generate 30.6 megawatts of solar energy (Phase 1: 21 MW, Phase 2: 9.6 MW)​
• Power municipal buildings, including City Hall, police and fire stations, and recreation centers​
• Combat illegal dumping by repurposing vacant land​
• Engage communities in sustainable land use, including agrivoltaics and pollinator habitats​
• Provide energy efficiency upgrades for 265 nearby homes​ ​

Neighborhood Solar Sites​ ​ 

Phase 1:​ 

• Gratiot-Findlay (23.2 acres, 36 homes receive $17,143 in upgrades)​
• Van Dyke/Lynch (40.9 acres, 85 homes receive $15,000 in upgrades)​
• State Fair (39.80 acres, 38 homes receive $25,000 in upgrades)​ ​

Phase 2:​ 

• Greenfield Park/I-75/McNichols (42.6 acres, 36 homes receive $25,000 in upgrades)​
• Houston Whittier/Hayes (18.7 acres, 70 homes receive $15,000 in upgrades)​ ​ ​ 

Neighborhood Impact​ ​ 

• Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades: $4.8 million investment for nearby residents, covering windows, insulation, roof repairs, smart thermostats, and solar panels.​
• Equity Fund: Gives equal opportunity to PRE-Residents located in Prospective Solar Project Sites beyond Phases 1 and 2 to sell their homes at their option​
• Neighborhood Solar Partners (NSPs): Working with community groups to educate residents, design solar sites, enhance green spaces, and ensure long-term benefits.​ ​

Project Funding & Future Plans​ ​ 

• Funded the City’s Utility Conversion Fund and developers are taking advantage the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits ​
• Solar fields will operate for 35 years, with agreements requiring developers to return land to greenfield status afterward.​
• Future Expansion: Additional projects may include solar-powered streetlights and further clean energy initiatives.​
• The project is exploring innovative land use by partnering with local urban farmers to implement agrivoltaics—growing crops beneath solar panels—and creating pollinator habitats.

Stay Engaged​ ​ 

Detroit residents helped shape this initiative, and continued community involvement is essential. For updates, contact [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. ​