SOLAR POWER IN MICHIGAN

Sylvan Solar

in development

AES’ Sylvan solar project is a planned solar facility in Newaygo County, Michigan. This project will be crucial in supporting Michigan’s ambitious energy goals to produce 60% of the state’s power from clean energy by 2030 and be carbon-neutral by 2050.

Solar panels in a grassy field with trees in the background on a sunny day.

220 MW capacity

Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 55,000 homes

Located in Newaygo County, Michigan

Our clean energy commitment

AES’ Sylvan solar is a planned facility in Michigan. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.

Solar panels in a field of wildflowers under a cloudy sky.

Economic and environmental benefits

We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.

~$137M

In local tax revenue generated for the community and county

~1,085

Local jobs expected to be created during construction

Project details

Sited on approximately 1,500 acres of leased land, equivalent to 1.3% of farmland in Newaygo County.
At the end of the project's life, a decommissioning plan allows for the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with land-use policies at the time

How clean energy benefits

local communities

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Long-term tax revenue to counties, towns, and school districts

Local economic stimulation through job creation and tax revenue

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Job creation during construction and operation

Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family

Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits

Project timeline

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2021 - 2026

Project Preparation

Development, siting, permitting

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2027-2028

Construction

The construction period will take place during this timeframe.

Aerial view of a large solar farm with rows of solar panels on a vast field. In the foreground, there is a small farm with a barn and silo surrounded by green fields and trees. The sky is partly cloudy.

2028+

Operations

The project will begin operations in 2029

Project updates

AES Open House in Newaygo County, Michigan.
Repeat above as needed.

Aerial view of a large solar farm with rows of solar panels arranged in parallel lines on green grass. A dirt road runs through the farm, and trees border the area on the right side.

Sustainability Resources

Sustainability best practices

At AES, safety is our highest priority, and we’ve focused on improving lives for more than 40 years. As a leading innovator in energy solutions, sustainability is core to both our strategy and our culture. We are committed to responsible land use and incorporating sustainable best practices into the entire project lifecycle, contributing to building a domestic circular renewables economy and reducing foreign dependence.

Environmental and technical studies

We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed, including but not limited to:

Wetland and Waterbody Study
Threatened and Endangered Species Study
Economic Impact Analysis
Noise Study
Traffic Study

Local partnerships

At AES, we understand that our success as a company is only as strong as our partnerships with the communities where we operate. That’s why we partner with communities, customers, state agencies, higher education, elected officials, and other key stakeholders to see how we can best work together to support sustainable social and economic development.