Why Zoning Could Be the Biggest Barrier to Michigan’s Solar Growth
When people think about solar energy growth in Michigan, most focus on costs, incentives, or federal cuts like the recent $156M Solar for All rollback. But on the ground, the single biggest factor determining whether solar gets built often comes down to something much closer to home: local zoning ordinances.
Unlike wind or traditional utilities, solar projects are governed by a patchwork of county and township rules. Some communities welcome large-scale solar farms, while others use restrictive zoning to block or limit them. This has created what researchers at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University call a “solar social gap” where policy goals and community-level rules are not aligned.
How Zoning Works for Solar in Michigan
Local governments in Michigan have broad authority to regulate land use, including whether and where solar projects can be built. This means that every township or county can set its own rules on solar, including:
- Permitted Use vs. Special Use: Some communities allow solar “by right” in certain zoning districts, while others require a special use permit, which involves public hearings and discretionary approvals.
- Setback Requirements: Rules on how far solar panels must be placed from roads, property lines, or homes. These can range from 50 feet to over 500 feet, often limiting the usable acreage.
- Height and Coverage Limits: Some ordinances restrict panel height or the percentage of land that can be covered by solar.
- Agricultural Protection Rules: Many rural areas prohibit or restrict solar on farmland, citing concerns about food production or rural character.
- Decommissioning Requirements: Rules requiring solar developers to post financial bonds to ensure panels are removed at the end of life.
The Data: How Common Are Restrictions?
A 2023 University of Michigan study of 1,800 local governments in the state found:
- Nearly 50% of jurisdictions had no zoning rules for solar at all.
- Among those that did, most treated solar more restrictively than other land uses.
- Farmland bans were one of the most common restrictions, even though agrivoltaics research shows solar and farming can coexist.
(University of Michigan Graham Institute Report)
This uneven landscape means solar developers face uncertainty, and projects can be stalled or blocked entirely depending on local opposition.
Real-World Impacts in Michigan
- Huron County, MI: Several large-scale solar projects have been delayed or canceled due to community pushback and restrictive ordinances, making the county a flashpoint for renewable energy debates.
- Shiawassee County, MI: Local opposition led to strict limits on solar development in agricultural zones, despite the county’s strong solar potential.
- Washtenaw County, MI: In contrast, the county has adopted solar-friendly rules, streamlining approvals for both utility-scale and rooftop projects.
This patchwork creates uneven access to solar benefits across the state. Some counties may see new tax revenue, land lease payments, and jobs, while others may miss out entirely.
Why Zoning Matters for Michigan’s Clean Energy Goals
Michigan has a target of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. To meet that, the state will need to dramatically expand solar, adding gigawatts of capacity each year. But if local zoning caps or blocks projects, the state risks falling short of its clean energy goals.
Researchers warn that without clearer statewide frameworks or incentives for local adoption, Michigan could face:
- Higher electricity prices if solar development slows.
- Lost farm income as landowners are prevented from leasing fields for solar or agrivoltaics.
- Missed investment opportunities as developers focus on states with clearer permitting processes.
Possible Solutions Being Discussed
- Model Ordinances: Michigan State University Extension has developed template ordinances for communities that want to allow solar while addressing concerns about land use, setbacks, and aesthetics.
- Community Benefits Agreements: Developers can partner with communities to share revenue, fund local programs, or protect farmland buffers, helping reduce opposition.
- State Incentives: Some experts argue that Michigan should provide incentives for counties that adopt solar-friendly ordinances to align local action with state climate targets.
- Agrivoltaics Adoption: Allowing dual-use projects could reduce farmland concerns while keeping agricultural activity intact.
What This Means for Homeowners and Farmers
- Homeowners: Zoning impacts rooftop and community solar too. In some municipalities, restrictive rules on rooftop placement or historic districts can limit options.
- Farmers: Leasing land for solar is one of the most lucrative new revenue streams in rural Michigan. Zoning restrictions may limit who can participate, meaning some farmers miss out while neighbors benefit.
- Communities: Local tax revenue from solar projects can fund schools and infrastructure, but zoning decisions ultimately determine whether that revenue arrives.
Final Thoughts
While federal cuts and state policies dominate headlines, local zoning may be the single biggest barrier or enabler of solar growth in Michigan. Every community has a choice: block projects and risk missing economic opportunities, or adopt clear and fair ordinances that balance clean energy with land use concerns.
For Michigan to meet its 2040 goals, zoning reform and community-level engagement will be just as important as tax credits or technology.
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