• Resources for Solar Energy

  • When you're ready to get your company connected to our alternative energy economic development programs, contact our Customer Assistance Center. 

    Solar energy is a key component of Michigan’s 21st century economic plan. We’ve made a long-term commitment to growth in the solar sector, with a strategic focus on manufacturing diversity, flexibility and innovation.

    Hotbeds of solar energy industry have sprung up around the state, with especially strong growth in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Major corporations like Hemlock Semiconductor Group and Dow Corning Corporation have located their global headquarters here, making us a leader in the production of hyperpure polycrystalline silicon, a key component in solar panels.

    With support from these industry leaders and resources, smaller suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors have rushed to fill the gaps. In Michigan, a robust solar supply chain has emerged, leveraging more than a century of innovation in advanced manufacturing. Today, solar energy companies have transformed Michigan’s core strengths in automation, design, cost reduction and superior quality control into an unmatched 21st century solar value chain.

  • Looking to locate or expand in Michigan? The MEDC can help.

    At the MEDC, we help thousands of businesses each year achieve success in Michigan. Our network of solar energy experts is ready to guide you through the many advantages our state has to offer your business, including:
    • Site location assistance in the heart of Michigan’s booming solar supply chain.
    • Matching you with economic incentives specially tailored for the solar industry.
    • Workforce training and assistance, including custom training programs to meet your unique manufacturing needs.
    • Connecting you at the local level with our economic development partners.

    Innovation is in our DNA

    Our long industrial tradition and culture of innovation has made Michigan a hotbed for solar energy research. Michigan supports over 1,000 high-tech R&D labs and leads the nation in R&D spending per gross state product. And we’re home to over 65,000 skilled engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals, who contribute to the over 3,000 patents filed in Michigan each year.

    Michigan: strategically placed for your success

    Michigan’s central location, criss-crossed by an outstanding transportation network of interstate highways, international airports, and Great Lakes seaways, gives our companies easy access to Canada, the Midwest, and the world. Bring your company here, and you’ll be within 500 miles of nearly half the nation’s population and income.

    Michigan’s high-tech workforce is ready and waiting for you

    In Michigan, our long industrial tradition has created an experienced workforce comfortable with high-tech manufacturing. Here, you’ll find a deep talent pool of engineers, technicians, and manufacturing professionals comfortable with high-tech manufacturing. Many have received advanced training in one of our hundred of training centers, where we can design and execute custom training programs to meet your unique solar manufacturing needs. Michigan is poised to provide you with the experienced manufacturing workforce you’ll need now and in the future.

  • Michigan Incentives

    Michigan’s competitive, pro-business climate can give your solar company the edge you need over competitors. We offer several unique economic incentives, specially tailored for high-tech and growth industries, to help your company succeed.
    Renewable Energy Renaissance Zones
    MBT, State Education Tax, personal and real property taxes, and local income tax are reduced or eliminated by locating in a Renewable Energy Renaissance Zone. Learn more about Michigan's Renewable Energy Renaissance Zones.

    Our commitment to solar energy goes beyond words

    Michigan's Renewable Portfolio Standard requires electric providers to achieve a retail supply portfolio that includes at least ten percent renewable energy by 2015, with compliance milestones starting in 2012. Plus, in Michigan solar power is eligible for an addition 2.4 Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that can be separated from the associated energy and traded, sold or transferred.
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    When you're ready to get your solar technology company connected to our alternative energy economic development programs, contact our Customer Assistance Center.