SOLAR POWER IN MICHIGAN

Thorn Lake Solar Project

in development

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.

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20 MW planned solar capacity

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Enough clean energy to power 5K homes annually

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Located in Manchester Township, MI

Our clean energy commitment

AES’ Thorn Lake Solar Project is a proposed 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.  

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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.

$5 M

 expected to be generated in tax revenue for local county, with schools receiving over 50% of the revenue

150  local jobs

 to be created during construction + 4 full-time operation jobs

Project details

 

  • Sited on 159 acres of privately-owned land
  • Provides clean energy to Consumers Energy customers
  • AES will be the long-term owner and operator of the facility
  • At the end of the project's 35-year lifespan, a decommissioning plan allows for the land to return to agricultural use or other uses consistent with land-use policies at the time

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about the Thorn Lake Solar project by downloading the project FAQ here.

Aerial view of a power substation with multiple vehicles and equipment around it. The substation is surrounded by a fence and located near a road. The area is dry with some vegetation nearby.

Clean energy benefits

local communities

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Landowner income diversification, keeping land in the family

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Local economic stimulus during construction

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Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy

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Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits

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Non-permanent development and low-impact construction that ensures land can be sensitively restored to pre-project conditions at the end of the project’s life

Aerial view of a power substation with multiple vehicles and equipment around it. The substation is surrounded by a fence and located near a road. The area is dry with some vegetation nearby.

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 to build a more resilient future.

Environmental and technical studies

We conduct a series of studies that ensure our projects are thoughtfully and responsibly designed.
    •    Wetland and waterbody delineation
    •    Habitat Assessment
    •    Marsh bird survey
    •    Breeding Bird survey
    •    Rare Plant survey
    •    Winter raptor survey 
    •    Hydrology study
    •    Wildlife Site Characterization

Contact us

We appreciate your interest in AES’ Thorn Lake Solar Project. Please contact us using the information below.