Michigan Solar Boom

Michigan’s Solar Boom Is Coming — Can Farmers Keep Farming Under The Panels?

MI Tech News | Mike Brenna

August 29th, 2026

AI data centers and advanced manufacturing are increasing Michigan’s appetite for electricity. Thousands of acres of new solar could help supply it — while potentially creating another source of income for Michigan farmers.

LANSING — Michigan wants AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, battery plants and other high-tech investments capable of creating jobs and pumping billions of dollars into the state’s economy.

There’s just one problem.

They need electricity. Lots of it.

At the same time, Michigan utilities are being required to dramatically increase renewable-energy generation, with the state targeting 50% renewable electricity by 2030 and 60% by 2035.

Those two forces are beginning to collide in Michigan farm country.

The Michigan Public Service Commission Thursday approved Ranger Power’s 90-megawatt Acceleration Solar project across Leslie, Onondaga and Vevay townships in southern Ingham County.

It is the first project approved under Public Act 233 of 2023, Michigan’s controversial law creating a state-level siting process for large solar, wind and battery-storage projects under certain circumstances.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with commercial operation in 2028.

But Acceleration Solar is only the beginning.

Read the entire MI Tech News article here.