Detroit neighborhood solar projects seek shift to DTE
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A solar field underway in the Van Dyke/Lynch area. Photo: Annalise Frank/Axios
Detroit plans to transfer three neighborhood solar projects to DTE Energy after its original Boston-based contractor exited solar development following a private-equity acquisition.
Why it matters: The switch from Lightstar Renewables will likely involve higher costs, though a final price tag isn't known yet.
- Delays have already cost months of valuable time and city officials say a swap is the fastest and best path forward.
State of play: The city is building ground-mounted solar arrays over 165 acres in five predominantly vacant sections of Detroit, after a community application process. In exchange for allowing the solar fields, nearby homeowners are in the process of getting free energy-efficiency upgrades.
Catch up quick: The goal is to clean up blighted areas and bring them into productive use, while helping meet the city's targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- But critics have questioned whether the solar arrays might hinder future development, as well as relocations and land acquisitions for the project.
The latest: As initially approved by City Council in stages in 2024 and 2025, three neighborhood solar projects were contracted to Lightstar and two to DTE Energy.
- Council's approval is sought to transfer Lightstar's assignments to DTE with updated terms.
What they're saying: After months of delays, the city learned Lightstar would no longer be developing projects after its acquisition and could no longer fulfill its contract, corporation counsel Conrad Mallett told a council committee Monday.
- Transferring to DTE would mean taking into account increases in equipment and labor costs, but also avoiding a lengthy legal battle with Lightstar and keeping the program moving efficiently.
- "I do want to point out that we worked very diligently not to be here," Mallett said.
Between the lines: Lightstar planned to allow farming alongside solar arrays at two sites. DTE's panel design won't allow for that, so the utility instead plans direct investments in participating urban farmers, Detroit senior strategic initiatives director Trisha Stein tells Axios.
What's next: City Council will consider the amendment. Angela Whitfield Calloway raised concerns Tuesday about the timeline and delays with Lightstar.
- But officials say they need approval soon, ahead of a July 4 deadline to use federal tax credits.
Zoom in: Work is underway for DTE's two projects. The farthest along is Van Dyke/Lynch, where panels have been installed.