The City of Detroit has announced the selection of two new east-side neighborhoods—Houston Whittier/Hayes and Greenfield Park/I-75/McNichols—as part of its expanding Solar Neighborhoods initiative. These neighborhoods were chosen through a competitive process to host solar arrays on a combined 61 acres of vacant, blighted land. When added to the 104 acres developed during Phase 1, the project will now encompass 165 acres, generating clean energy to power 127 city-owned buildings, including police stations, clinics, and recreation centers.
Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized that this initiative is not only about renewable energy but also about revitalizing long-neglected neighborhoods. Residents living near the new solar fields will receive home energy upgrades worth up to $25,000, with improvements including insulation, solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and roofing repairs. In total, 106 homeowners in adjoining areas will benefit from these upgrades.
The process involved voluntary buyouts for homeowners within the proposed solar fields, and all identified owner-occupants have agreed to relocate. Renters will receive relocation costs and rent assistance. Vacant properties and absentee landlords will be compensated under Michigan law, with condemnation used if necessary.
Two solar developers—Lightstar and DTE Electric Company—have been contracted to construct the fields. Lightstar will handle projects in Houston Whittier/Hayes, while DTE will manage the development in Greenfield Park. These companies were chosen based on their performance in Phase 1 and are experienced in community-based solar development.
The initiative is financially supported by federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act and Detroit’s Utility Conversion Fund, allowing the city to invest $21 million without new appropriations. Although annual operating costs will increase slightly, the city expects significant savings from reduced maintenance, enforcement, and utility costs in the areas being redeveloped.
Leaders and community members praised the project for addressing climate change, improving air quality, and bringing investment into underserved neighborhoods. Contracts also require that after their 35-year lifespan, the solar fields be returned to the city as green spaces.
