Introduction
Michigan’s solar capacity has grown rapidly, but many projects stall long after panels are purchased. The root cause: interconnection grid delays. This article explains why these bottlenecks happen, how they impact homeowners, developers, utilities, and how Michigan can respond.
1. What Are Interconnection Delays?
- Interconnection queue: list of projects waiting to connect to the grid via regional operators like MISO.
- National scope: U.S. grid queues hold over 2,600 GW of projects—double current generation capacity—90% from solar, storage, and wind Energyscape Renewables+1Energy Changemakers+1Utility Dive+6Reuters+6Factor This™+6.
- Typical timing: Many projects wait 3–6+ years; earlier average was 4–5 years, with some regions as long as 8–9 years .
- Michigan’s context: Comes under MISO, which has gradually reduced average process time from 686 days to around 373 days, still over a year Utility Dive+7Factor This™+7Energyscape Renewables+7.
2. Why the Delays Are Happening
2.1 Surging Project Volume
- IRA and prior incentives drove rapid solar/storage proposals, overwhelming interconnection capacity Energy Markets & Policy+13Factor This™+13Reuters+13.
2.2 Supply Chains & Study Backlogs
- Grid operators are understaffed and rely on manual systems. The Enverus 2025 outlook shows ~90% of renewables stall in queue Factor This™+15Factor This™+15pv magazine USA+15.
2.3 Outdated Processes
- First-come-first-served processes enable speculative filings. FERC reforms in PJM and MISO are shifting to milestone-based “first ready” orders Utility Dive+10Michigan Advance+10Reuters+10.
2.4 Limited Grid Capacity
- Transmission constraints are a structural issue. Michigan’s brownfield solar projects often rely on existing infrastructure that remains underutilized Michigan Advance+1Wikipedia+1.
3. How Michigan Is Affected
3.1 Homeowner Delays
- Consumers installing rooftop solar may face extended waits just to connect, delaying benefits and ROI.
- Uncertainty may reduce solar’s appeal until interconnection is secured.
3.2 Developer Challenges
- Planning and financing grow riskier—high cancellation rates of 44–79% reported in PJM, NYISO, and others for solar and storage Energy Changemakers.
- Developers must budget for expenses even when projects remain offline months after completion.
3.3 Utility and Grid Stress
- Utilities may slow approvals to avoid grid overload or grid instability.
- MISO’s backlog threatens achievement of Michigan’s 60% renewables target for 2030 Huron Daily Tribune+15Factor This™+15Jacksonville Journal-Courier+15.
3.4 Community and Economic Loss
- Projects on brownfields or in rural areas lose momentum, risking job growth, tax revenue, and land revitalization Michigan Advance.
- Michigan Department of EGLE granted $1.67 million for solar+storage (Collfax and Silver Creek). Those aim for 2026–27 interconnection Huron Daily Tribune.
4. Emerging Fixes and Solutions
4.1 Automated AI and Software Tools
- PJM is partnering with Google/Tapestry to reduce application review from 40 months to as low as 12–24 months by 2026 Reuters.
- MISO has deployed Pearl Street tools to reduce phase-1 study times from 686 days to 10 days Reuters.
4.2 FERC and Regional Reforms
- FERC’s first-ready-first-served rule and cluster studies aim to streamline interconnection costs and speed.
- PJM changing queue rules; MISO targeting one-year timelines The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov+6Michigan Advance+6Reuters+6.
4.3 Distributed Energy Roadmap
- DOE i2X DER roadmap proposes automation, flexible interconnection agreements, grouping of studies, and tools to reduce delays for distributed energy Utility Dive+1The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov+1.
5. What This Means for Michigan Stakeholders
5.1 Homeowners
- Request grid availability studies early. Consider batteries or standalone microgrids for backup and independence.
5.2 Developers
- File completed applications that meet criteria and milestones. Use AI tools and cluster studies to shorten timelines.
5.3 Utilities and Regulators
- Lobby for regulatory support for AI and software-led review systems.
- Build distributed energy pathways that allow grid-friendly solar activation ahead of large upgrades.
5.4 Policymakers
- Coordinate with MPSC to incentivize automation and tech investments.
- Support DER-roadmap uptake and secure repair funding in grants like Renewables Ready Communities.
6. What to Expect in the Short Term
6.1 2025–2026
- Major projects shift to milestones rather than timestamps. Michigan’s Collfax/Silver Creek are good tests of the NYT awards.
- DOE AI4IX funding arrives to automate Michigan systems.
6.2 2027–2028
- RTO reforms should reduce delays. Michigan greenfield solar likely picks up with faster solar pipelines.
6.3 2029 and Beyond
- Successful deployment could reshape Michigan’s grid, accelerate renewable percentage, and revitalize brownfield sites.
Conclusion
Grid interconnection delays are Michigan’s leading solar adoption obstacle—but the grid is adapting. AI tools, FERC reforms, and process automation are reshaping how solar enters the energy mix. Michigan Solar Partners can help you navigate these changes, whether you’re installing rooftop panels or launching large-scale projects.
References
- PJM grid struggles; AI tools start reducing timelines Huron Daily TribuneThe Verge
- Michigan’s $1.67 million grant for storage/solar ($Collfax/Silver Creek) Huron Daily Tribune
- U.S. 2,600 GW+ interconnection queue, 90% renewables Factor This™+6Reuters+6anbsystems.com+6
- MISO queue time improvements via Pearl Street tech Factor This™+3Reuters+3Factor This™+3
- Enverus report: 90% renewables not progressing The Wall Street Journal+2Factor This™+2pv magazine USA+2
- NYISO/PJM suspension rates at 46–79% Michigan Advance+4Factor This™+4The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov+4
- DOE DER roadmap solutions Energy Changemakers+2Utility Dive+2The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov+2
- Michigan Advance: brownfield solar delays due to grid queues Utility Dive+5Michigan Advance+5Reuters+5
- LBNL Berkeley Lab backlog stats, US-wide data Energy Markets & Policy+4Utility Dive+4The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov+4
- Michigan solar installed capacity: 1,444 MW; Assembly Solar 347 MW Wikipedia
