Solar Neighborhoods

Accelerating climate action and creating vibrant resilient neighborhoods

The Detroit Climate Strategy, informed by input of thousands of Detroiters, calls for our city to transition to clean renewable energy by 2034. The Neighborhood Solar initiative is the first step toward achieving these goals to address climate change in our city by providing clean energy, combat illegal dumping, and engaging communities and nonprofits to stabilize neighborhoods.

The Detroit Climate Strategy set goals for the City to power 100% of its municipal buildings with clean energy by 2034 and a three-year target to work with utility provider and private property owners to source 50% of Detroit’s electricity from clean energy.  

Phase 1: Neighborhood Solar Initiative

Mayor Duggan's Neighborhood Solar Initiative aims to repurpose mostly vacant lots in Detroit neighborhoods into sites of clean energy production. While some areas have vacant homes, there are still occupied residences within the designated sites. 

Residents of these occupied homes will receive:

• Compensation equal to double the market value of their property, along with moving expenses and relocation services.
• Any renters will receive 18 months' worth of rent along with moving expenses and relocation services.
• The initiative includes energy efficiency upgrades for surrounding homes, with a minimum value of $15,000 on average per home. 

Currently, there are six finalists selected to potentially host solar arrays, totaling 250 acres of neighborhood land.

Community Engagement

Led by the Office of Sustainability and working closely with the Department of Neighborhoods, city officials partnered with local solar experts, or Neighborhood Solar Partners (NSPs), will work with five to six neighborhoods to host solar arrays. Each acre contributed will be provided with $25,000 in community benefits for energy-efficient upgrades, prioritizing affected homeowners and renters.

These solar arrays are expected to generate enough power to offset electricity usage for city buildings. With the backing of the community and rigorous technical evaluation, the initiative promises not only environmental benefits but also community advantages for residents in the surrounding areas. Rigorous community engagement and residents' wishes are prioritized throughout the selection process.

Neighborhood Solar Partners (NSPs):

• D2 Solar 
• EcoWorks 
• Green Door Initiative 
• MI Interfaith Power and Light 
• Peace Tree 
• Rescue MI Nature
• Sustainable Community Farms 
• Walker-Miller Energy

Neighborhood Solar Initiative timeline:

• Neighborhood Solar Initiative launch: 
  • In June 2023, Mayor Duggan announced the solar initiative. 
  • Neighborhoods interested in hosting solar fields will receive community benefits. 
  • In December, the request for proposals from potential solar developers opened. The deadline to submit closed on Friday, February 23rd. The City will evaluate the proposals along with the level of support to determine the final winning neighborhoods for the proposed solar arrays. 
• Ongoing Community Engagement: 
  • Throughout the citywide initiative’s process, the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Neighborhoods are working closely with Neighborhood Solar Partners to engage community groups, block clubs, and area residents to ensure area residents’ considerations are addressed and prioritized.
• Final Neighborhood Selection: 
  • Neighborhood expression of interest petition deadline closed on February 15, 2024 
  • Nine finalists were selected last November, and now we're down to the final six. The final sites will be selected in the spring.

Final site selections will require City Council approval.

Phase 2: Community Solar

The City is actively pursuing additional funding to bolster our efforts in advancing residential and business solar projects. Stay updated on forthcoming developments.