Sylvan Solar

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

Group of five adults holding a red ribbon in front of glass office doors during a ribbon-cutting event, smiling and standing in a hallway.

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 info@sylvansolarproject.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

Three women smiling and standing inside a modern office lobby, one holding a large check as they pose for a presentation photo.

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.

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

A group of AES volunteers stands together outdoors in a green space with trees and shrubs, preparing for a community service activity. Most people are wearing AES T-shirts and holding tools or water bottles, engaging in conversation under a sunny sky, suggesting a team-oriented event.

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.

Four AES people wearing high-visibility vests and hard hats conduct a discussion at a solar project site next to a blue pickup truck. Solar panels and autumn trees are visible in the background under a bright sky. The scene conveys teamwork and field safety practices.

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.