Detroit is taking a bold step forward in its commitment to sustainability and neighborhood revitalization. Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Duggan, the city is expanding its Solar Neighborhoods initiative in partnership with Lightstar Renewables. Phase 2 of the project will transform 61 acres of long-vacant land in the Houston-Whittier/Hayes and Greenfield Park neighborhoods into active solar fields.

Detroit is setting the standard for urban revitalization and sustainable development. Spearheaded by Mayor Mike Duggan's visionary leadership, the City of Detroit has taken another significant step towards combating climate change and empowering its neighborhoods. Lightstar Renewables is proud to collaborate with the City of Detroit on the Phase 2 Solar Neighborhoods initiative, turning long-vacant land into state-of-the-art solar fields and delivering exceptional benefits to the community.

Between September and December 2024, the Lightstar team, in partnership with local organizations in Detroit, hosted a series of neighborhood meetings to collaboratively shape the City’s Phase I Solar Neighborhoods program. These community gatherings provided a space for neighbors from Gratiot-Findlay and State Fair to share their visions, preferences, and ideas for the solar arrays soon to be integrated into their neighborhoods. Together, we explored landscaping and fencing options, presenting various designs for their thoughtful input. Residents cast votes for their favorite designs, which helped us finalize a landscaping plan that reflects their collective voice.

Relevant and timely article: For jobs and survival, Michigan needs community solar now

Michigan lawmakers are considering Senate Bills 152 and 153 to enable community solar, allowing all residents to access clean, affordable, and reliable energy, regardless of income or housing status, and creating thousands of jobs in the state.