Detroit expands Solar Neighborhoods with 31 MW urban solar rollout

The City of Detroit has launched Phase 2 of its Solar Neighborhoods initiative in partnership with US-based solar developer Lightstar Renewables. The expansion has added 61 acres of solar infrastructure in the Houston-Whittier/Hayes and Greenfield Park neighborhoods, bringing the total project footprint to 165 acres and 31 MW of capacity. According to city officials, the energy generated is expected to power 127 municipal facilities, including police stations, recreation centers, and transit hubs. Over 106 nearby homeowners are set to receive a minimum of $15,000 in energy efficiency upgrades to reduce utility costs and improve indoor comfort. Lightstar Renewables has incorporated community feedback into the design, including ornamental trees, perennial gardens, and flowering meadows. Agrivoltaic features are being introduced to support urban farming while enhancing environmental performance on select project sites.