AES’ Sylvan Solar project is a planned solar energy facility in Newaygo County, Michigan. We are committed to responsible clean energy development that creates long-term value and positive impact for both the environment and local communities.
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.
Project overview
220 MW solar
Enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 55,000 Michigan homes annually
Newaygo County, Michigan
Project details
- Will include approximately 1,250 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
Expected project timeline
Project updates
Local office grand opening
The Sylvan Solar Team celebrated the opening of their local office with a ribbon cutting on June 25, 2025, in partnership with the River Country Chamber of Commerce. The Local Office, located at 1 State Rd, Newaygo, MI 49337, will have office hours 1:00-5:00 PM Wednesdays and 8:30 AM-12:30 PM Fridays, also by appointment.
Please contact Jen Burfield at jburfield.c@aes.com or (231) 225-3097 to confirm availability.
Local representative announcement
Jen Burfield has been chosen to become the project’s local representative! Currently working toward her Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management at Grand Valley State University, Jen brings experience and enthusiasm to the project. She has previously served as Outreach Coordinator for the Newaygo Conservation District after working with the Benzie Conservation District, Long Lake Association and spending five years as a wastewater treatment operator. A native of Traverse City, Jen lives in Newaygo and will be a familiar face to many. Please visit Jen at the Local Office to say hello, ask questions about the project, or learn more about solar power.
Sylvan Solar sponsors the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Sylvan Solar is proud to support the Gus Macker tournament as a sponsor, partnering with the River Country Chamber of Commerce to continue bringing this exciting and impactful community event to life.
Sylvan Solar hosts second Open House
At the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County, Sylvan Solar held its second Open House on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The team presented new project information, MSU Extension presented its Economic Impact Study, the Center for Energy Education took us on a virtual tour of a solar farm, and Barr was available to answer questions about our new visual renderings. If you were unable to attend this event, please view the information presented below in “Open House materials.”
Economic and environmental benefits
We believe in being a good neighbor, ensuring responsible and sustainable clean energy development that benefits both the environment and local communities without burdening existing infrastructure.
~445,000 MWh
Carbon-free electricity generated each year, improving air quality and reducing CO2 emissions
~$277 million
Expected net economic gains for southern Newaygo County over the life of the project.
~1,085 jobs
Expected to be created during construction
Clean energy benefits local communities
- Long-term tax revenue to local municipalities
- Job creation during construction and operation
- Landowner income diversification, while retaining ownership
- Local economic stimulus during construction
- Affordable, reliable, locally produced clean energy
- Improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions
- Social impact funding to area community organizations and non-profits
- 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
Best practices in responsible and sustainable development
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.
- Wetland and Waterbody Study
- Threatened and Endangered Species Study
- Economic Impact Analysis
- Noise Study
- Traffic Study
Partnering with communities for the future of energy
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.
AES is a proud member and partner of
- The River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County
- Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce
Learn more about Sylvan Solar
Visual Renderings
Photo-realistic simulations show what the project may look like during the operational phase compared to current conditions and include views of proposed vegetative screening species that would primarily mature in 3 to 5 years
Meet your AES team
Dana Schultz
Development Manager, MISO
Lauren Colwell
Permitting Lead
Katie Haarsager
Stakeholder Engagement Manager, MISO
Claire Spitz
Analyst, Stakeholder Relations
Contact us
We want to hear from you! We appreciate your interest in AES’ Sylvan Solar.
Phone number: 734-545-8006
Email: michiganstakeholderrelations@aes.com
Meeting: SimplyMeet.me - Sylvan Solar Team