Solar energy developed with the highest standards.
AES’ Thorn Lake Solar project is a proposed solar farm that that will incorporate the most advanced solar energy technologies, is designed to minimize impact on the local environment, and will support Michigan’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Project overview
20 MW
5000+
Michigan homes powered with solar electricity
159 acres
developed on privately-owned land
Located in Manchester Township, Michigan
Provides clean energy to Consumers Energy customers
35-year project life span
Project timeline
Project benefits
The Thorn Lake Solar Project will deliver both environmental and economic benefits to the citizens and communities of Washtenaw County. The project was studied extensively, carefully planned, and will have no negative impact on regulated wetlands; threatened or endangered species; or cultural/historical resources.
Environmental Benefits
39,500 MWh
of carbon-free electricity each year
28,000 tons
of CO2 emissions expected to be offset each year, equivalent to the emissions generated by 6,000 cars driven in one year
Economic Benefits
Expected to generate more than $5 million in tax revenue for Manchester Township, local schools, and Washtenaw County over the life of the project. Local schools would receive over 50% of the tax revenue.
Expected to create 150 jobs during peak construction, and four jobs during operational phase
Community Engagement
AES is committed to being a good neighbor to the Manchester Township community. We value our relationships with local partners and community members, and we work diligently to maximize the positive impact our clean energy projects have on local communities. Our projects are intentionally developed to create lasting positive benefits for landowners and to create significant economic opportunities in the community over the project's life, without burdening existing infrastructure.
This is why we collaborate with a broad cross-section of community leaders from government, local business, education, social services, and residents to identify opportunities where AES can provide financial support, volunteerism, and other types of partnership to support high-impact initiatives, programs, and institutions in the local communities.
AES Community Engagement to Date:
- Member of the Manchester and Brooklyn Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce
- Manchester Chicken Broil Sponsor two years in a row
- Donated to the Manchester Resource Community Food Bank
- Donated to the Brooklyn Manchester Trail feasibility study
- Hosted virtual open houses for the community in April 2021 and 2022
Meet your AES team
Frank Krawczel
Solar Development Manager, AES
Frank Krawczel is a Development Manager for AES and the lead developer for Thorn Lake Solar. In this position, Frank is responsible for all development aspects of the project, including securing land rights, interconnection rights, building permits, and property tax agreements, working closely with AES’ engineering, finance and commercial teams, project partners and key stakeholders. Frank holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in urban and environmental planning from the University of Virginia and is an avid fly fisherman and guide.
Sarah Lindemann
Manager, Permitting and Environmental Compliance, AES
Sarah Lindemann is a Permitting Manager for AES and has been in her current role since 2019. She manages permitting efforts for AES’ utility-scale solar projects in the Mid-Atlantic and midwestern states, including Missouri and Michigan. Sarah develops permitting strategies for projects at federal, state, and local levels of government and works closely with a variety of stakeholders to ensure the success of AES projects. Sarah joined the renewable energy industry in 2016 and is passionate about finding solutions to complex land-use challenges and creating connections between stakeholders. She is a graduate of Sweet Briar College and Virginia Tech. Sarah is an avid gardener and reader and enjoys spending time at the stable and riding.
Questions? We're here to help!
Contact the AES Michigan team at:
Email: thornlakesolar@aes.com
Phone: 734-545-8006