New 120-Megawatt Solar Farm Powers Michigan Schools and Communities

The project generates over 200 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, providing enough power for 21,000 homes while preventing approximately 96,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Beyond its environmental output, the facility serves as a financial engine for local public institutions. Executive Energy Services partnered with the project to secure a deal that is projected to save Oakland Schools and 45 other public districts roughly $25 million over the next decade. These redirected funds are slated to support classroom priorities, staff, and core educational infrastructure.

Economic impacts extend directly into the local landscape where the project was built. Construction of the farm supported over 300 jobs and established a steady stream of tax revenue for Oceana County. Hart Township also secured $600,000 through the Renewables Ready Communities Award Program to finance local infrastructure improvements, while the CMS Energy Foundation provided a $100,000 grant to the Lakeshore Food Club. NorthStar Clean Energy will hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 8 to mark the completion of the site and the collaboration between public power agencies and private developers.