Solar Neighborhood Initiative FAQ

Phase 1 involves building solar in the Gratiot/Findlay, Van Dyke/Lynch, and State Fair neighborhoods, totaling 104 acres. The 21 MW project is expected to produce 33,650 MWh annually.

Starting in late summer/early fall 2025 during construction residential streets within the solar area will be closed for the duration of the project.

Solar panels reduce pollution by replacing fossil fuels like coal, generating clean, renewable energy that improves air quality.

  Property values are expected to increase, as seen in the O'Shea neighborhood, which experienced a 68% growth in assessed value from 2017 to 2023 after the solar park was developed.

Solar developers are required to maintain the project sites in good condition, including regular grass and weed control. The solar project will remain in place for 35 years, after which developers are responsible for removing them.

Solar panels absorb heat and reflect little of it back. The heat generated by panels with green spaces underneath will be less than that generated by homes or concrete.

Demolition will occur this fall. Construction begins in spring 2025, with site preparation in the first three months, solar installation in months 4-5, and commissioning in months 6-7. The project is expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026.

Eligible homeowners will receive $15,000 to $25,000 in energy efficiency benefits, such as new windows, roof repairs, energy-efficient appliances, furnaces, water heaters, better insulation, smart thermostats, efficient lighting, battery backup for outages, and residential solar panels. 

Owner-occupied homeowners within the solar array footprint will receive at least $90,000 for their property, including relocation assistance. Renters will benefit from 18 months of free rent and relocation assistance.

In late 2024/early 2025, home energy assessments will be scheduled.

During the late winter and early spring of 2025, energy upgrade work will begin. 

The sites will be fenced. The surrounding neighbors will be able to provide feedback on the type of fencing, ground cover around the panels and the vegetation surrounding the outside of the project.   

Solar panels are made of glass, aluminum, copper, and other common materials. Solar projects use steel racks to position panels, electric cabling.  A small number of inverters to deliver power. All this equipment is safe. 

No, the solar panels are silent when operating.

Solar panels are designed to absorb sunlight, minimizing glare. They have a low-reflectivity surface, so glare should not be a concern.

No. Solar panels don’t produce odors or affect air quality.