Michigan’s MAGA Solar Act: What It Means for Agrivoltaics, Solar Growth, and Clean Energy in 2025

How Michigan’s New MAGA Solar Act Could Reshape Solar Policy and Dual-Use Farming

In June 2025, Michigan lawmakers introduced the Maximizing American Grid Affordability (MAGA) Solar Act, a sweeping proposal that could fundamentally reshape the state’s clean energy future. The bill introduces new restrictions on large-scale solar projects, a 20% statewide solar cap, and bans on panels from foreign countries like China. At the same time, it includes incentives for agrivoltaics (dual-use farming + solar) and limited support for rooftop solar.

This makes the MAGA Solar Act one of the most consequential and controversial pieces of Michigan energy policy in years.

What the MAGA Solar Act Proposes

20% Solar Cap: Limits Michigan’s electric grid to no more than 20% solar generation statewide (Michigan Public).
Local Zoning Control: Requires local governments to approve new solar projects, giving counties and townships more say (WGVU).
Foreign Panel Ban: Prohibits panels manufactured in China and other “foreign adversary” nations.
Rooftop Incentives: Expands limited support for rooftop installations.
Agrivoltaics Support: Encourages solar farming integration, particularly pollinator-friendly and crop-sharing designs.

Why Agrivoltaics Matters in the MAGA Solar Act

Agrivoltaics or dual-use farming allows solar panels to coexist with crops or livestock. In Michigan, researchers at Michigan State University are already testing agrivoltaic designs with apple orchards, alfalfa, and livestock grazing (MSU Engineering).

The MAGA Solar Act specifically references agrivoltaics as a way to balance energy production with agricultural land preservation. For farmers, this could mean:

New Revenue Streams: Leasing land for solar while maintaining crop output.
Resilience Benefits: Shade for livestock, reduced water use, and protection from extreme heat.
Community Acceptance: Framing solar as “farming + energy” could soften local opposition.

However, by capping solar at 20%, the bill may also restrict the scale of agrivoltaic development. Larger farms aiming to diversify income could face project bottlenecks if the cap is reached quickly.

Financial Implications for Michigan

For Farmers

Pros: Potential incentives for agrivoltaic projects, plus marketing benefits for pollinator-friendly farms.
Cons: Lower overall solar capacity may limit opportunities for large-scale dual-use projects, especially in rural counties.

For Homeowners

Pros: Expanded rooftop incentives may offset some of the Solar for All cuts.
Cons: If grid-wide solar is capped, long-term cost savings from clean energy could plateau, leaving Michigan households more exposed to utility rate hikes.

For Developers & Investors

Uncertainty: Caps and local zoning hurdles could slow development pipelines.
Shift in Focus: More emphasis on small-scale, distributed, and agrivoltaic-friendly projects over large solar farms.

How This Connects to Trump’s $156M Solar Cut

The MAGA Solar Act arrives just weeks after the Trump administration canceled Michigan’s $156 million Solar for All allocation, pulling back federal support for community and low-income solar projects. Together, these developments signal a sharp policy pivot away from large-scale, equity-focused solar, and toward restricted growth with niche carve-outs like agrivoltaics.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Michigan Solar?

Equity Concerns: Without Solar for All, and with a statewide cap, low-income and rural households may struggle to access affordable solar.
Agrivoltaic Spotlight: Dual-use farming may become the state’s most politically viable path for solar expansion, since it blends agriculture and energy.
Local Politics Heat Up: With zoning decisions shifted to counties and townships, expect more community-level solar debates.
Energy Targets at Risk: Michigan’s 100% clean energy by 2040 goal could face major setbacks if solar growth is artificially capped.

FAQs on the MAGA Solar Act

Q: What does the 20% solar cap mean for Michigan?
A: It limits Michigan’s grid to a maximum of 20% solar generation. Once that threshold is hit, utilities and developers cannot expand solar capacity beyond it.

Q: How does the MAGA Solar Act affect farmers?
A: It could encourage agrivoltaics and dual-use projects, but restrict the scale of larger installations that many farmers were counting on for new revenue.

Q: Will households still benefit from solar in Michigan?
A: Yes. Rooftop incentives and the federal ITC remain, but overall savings potential could flatten if solar growth slows due to the cap.

Q: How does this compare to the $156M Solar for All cut?
A: Solar for All aimed at equity and access. The MAGA Solar Act instead emphasizes restrictions, control, and selective support for niche projects.

Final Thoughts

The MAGA Solar Act is fresh legislation with massive implications for Michigan’s solar future. While agrivoltaics could benefit from new incentives, the 20% cap threatens to slow growth just as federal funding was cut. For households, farmers, and developers, the question is no longer just how to adopt solar but whether Michigan’s policies will allow it to scale equitably and affordably.

Sources:

Michigan Solar Partners