Renters and Low-Income Residents Are Still Waiting to Join Michigan’s Solar Revolution
What Is Community Solar and Why It Matters in Michigan
Community solar allows multiple customers, such as renters or homeowners with shaded roofs, to subscribe to a shared solar array and receive bill credits for the electricity produced.
In Michigan, this model is especially important because many residents cannot host rooftop panels due to roof conditions, tenancy restrictions, or high upfront costs. Despite strong demand, Michigan still does not have a full statewide law supporting community solar. Instead, utilities, developers, and communities rely on small pilot programs and local initiatives.
Learn more at Michigan EGLE and Planet Detroit.
What’s Happening Right Now in Michigan
- The MI Solar for All program received $156 million in federal funding to expand solar projects for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
- A pilot project in the Upper Peninsula’s village of L’Anse showed promising savings for families, even without full state legislation.
- Senate Bills 152 and 153 aim to establish a statewide community solar framework, requiring utilities to offer fair crediting and equal access. These bills have not yet been passed.
- DTE Energy and Consumers Energy operate “green subscription” programs that are similar to community solar, but these remain utility-controlled and limited in scope.
More details are available from Michigan’s Legislature and EGLE.
Why This Topic Is Relevant Right Now
- Equity and access: Community solar allows everyone, including renters and low-income households, to participate in clean energy.
- Federal support is in place: Grants, pilot programs, and tax incentives are available, but Michigan must act to take full advantage.
- Other states are moving faster: Without new legislation, Michigan risks losing both investment and leadership in community-scale renewables.
See coverage at PV Magazine USA and Planet Detroit.
Pros and Cons of Community Solar in Michigan
Pros:
- Opens solar access to renters and shaded properties.
- Reduces electric bills for low-income families.
- Creates new local jobs in installation, maintenance, and outreach.
- Builds stronger community involvement in renewable energy.
Cons:
- Lack of clear legislation creates financing uncertainty.
- Billing systems can be complex and hard for subscribers to understand.
- Utilities may resist models that reduce their control over energy generation.
For more on the policy debate, visit Michigan Public.
What Needs to Happen Next for Real Growth
- Pass community solar legislation. Lawmakers must approve Senate Bills 152 and 153 to create a clear, fair statewide structure.
- Support third-party developers and co-ops. Allowing new ownership models will expand solar faster and more affordably.
- Guarantee savings for subscribers. Programs should ensure that low-income residents see measurable cost reductions.
- Improve public outreach. More education is needed to help residents learn how to access community solar opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Michigan’s Solar Future Must Be Shared
Michigan’s renewable energy transition cannot succeed if it leaves renters and low-income residents behind. Community solar gives everyone a fair way to benefit from clean energy and helps strengthen local economies at the same time.
With federal funding in place and state legislation on the table, Michigan has a choice: stay limited to pilot programs or finally open the door for all communities to share the sun.
Sources:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/energy/renewable-energy/mi-solar-communities
https://planetdetroit.org/2024/10/michigan-community-solar-legislation/
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023-2024/billanalysis/Senate/pdf/2023-SFA-0152-G.pdf
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/climate-and-energy/mi-healthy-climate-plan/funding/ggrf/mi-solar
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/04/28/rfp-alert-michigan-solar-for-all-seeks-low-income-residential-and-community-solar/
