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03/02/2026
From the January/February 2026 Michigan Planner: Free Guides for Michigan Communities on Renewable Energy Development
Michigan communities navigating the transition to renewable energy now have access to three comprehensive, downloadable guides addressing critical aspects of solar and battery storage development. These resources provide practical frameworks for local planning, zoning, and economic considerations.
Planning & Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments, 2025 EditionPlanning and Zoning for Solar Energy Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments was developed to help communities across Michigan understand the siting of solar energy systems relative to local planning policies, zoning regulations, and state law. Originally released in 2021, the guide has been revised to incorporate new state legislation, including PA 233 of 2023, and evolving best practices in solar development.
Planning and Zoning for Battery Energy Storage Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments was developed to aid local governments in navigating the increased deployment of energy storage across the state. This guide provides sample language to incorporate BESS of all scales into a municipality's zoning ordinances. It also addresses zoning options for large-scale BESS, informed by Michigan’s new energy siting law, Public Act 233 of 2023.
