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November 7, 2026

Newsletter: Community solar, virtual power plants and more

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    • Welcome to the weekly newsletter of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council (Michigan EIBC), the business voice for advanced energy in Michigan. Here’s what’s new this week:

    Community Solar and Virtual Power Plant Updates

    Michigan Senators Jeff Irwin and Sue Shink published an opinion piece in the Lansing State Journal this week about their legislation that would enable virtual power plants (S.B. 731, 732) and community solar (S.B. 518, 519) in Michigan. The former establishes laws for parties to set up networks that harness already existing renewable energy infrastructure to link small user-generated power sources together. These networks can bolster energy supply and reduce demand during peak times. 

    Last week Dr. Laura Sherman, Michigan EIBC President, was quoted in a Michigan Advance story on why legislative action to enshrine third-party ownership is essential to incorporating community solar into Michigan’s energy systems and lowering costs for ratepayers. “Utility-owned resources are often more expensive and slower to construct than third-party-owned resources,” she explained. “Allowing for third-party owned community solar with a guaranteed bill savings would correct that problem by removing utility profits and high costs from the equation.”

    Michigan Elects a New Government

    This week, Jocelyn Benson was elected to the state’s highest office. With some votes still left to count, the Michigan House of Representatives flipped to a Democratic majority, while the Michigan Senate remained in Democratic control with an expanded majority. 

    “Governor-elect Benson has run a campaign that demonstrates an understanding that economic growth and addressing energy affordability concerns are not oppositional goals, but converging efforts that result from updating Michigan’s electric grid with clean, affordable power,” said Justin Carpenter, Michigan EIBC Director of Policy, in a press statement.

    NEW MEMBERS

    Click logos to learn more

    Base is building the future of American power. We’re deploying a nationwide network of distributed batteries that strengthens critical infrastructure and saves Americans money. Base designs, manufactures, and installs home batteries that keep our members’ lights on during outages. When the grid is running, these batteries work together to deliver reliable, affordable power where it’s needed most. As of 2026, Base has deployed nearly 1 GWh of battery capacity and serves tens of thousands of homes across the country.

    Michigan Energy News

    • Michigan grants help the Detroit Zoo and Bell’s Brewery map their decarbonization efforts. (Planet Detroit)
    • Renewable energy is driving more foreign interest in U.S. farmland. (Michigan Farm News)
    • Ann Arbor residents have voted to reject a proposal to create a publicly owned municipal utility. (Michigan Daily)
    • DTE Energy has launched Michigan’s first residential virtual power plant with Michigan EIBC member company sonnen. (mlive) 
    • Local rules for data centers have been approved in a community near Ann Arbor. (mlive)
    • New research shows the benefits of heat pumps on the grid. (Canary Media)

    National Energy News

    • How the biggest renewable energy project in U.S. history finally got built. (vox)
    • This giant iron-air battery can store renewable energy for 100 hours using rust. (Interesting Engineering)
    • New census data reveals that western states led the way in electric car adoption in 2025. (U.S. Census)
    • Xcel Energy has rolled out a $70 billion, 5-year capital plan focused on renewables. (Utility Dive)
    • Energy affordability tops voter concerns. (Utility Dive)
    • The battery energy storage boom is accelerating. (Forbes)

    Events

    • November 13: Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) Year End Year Begin Celebration – The GLREA team reviews the work and the challenges it addressed in 2026 and prepares GLREA’s Program Work and Goals for 2027.  This Year End – Year Begin Celebration provides an opportunity to reflect upon the work being done in the world of renewable energy. Register here.
    • November 19, 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Decarbonizing Michigan’s Industrial Sector – This session will preview the roadmap for decarbonizing Michigan’s industrial sector, prepared for EGLE by 5 Lakes Energy. The roadmap focuses on implementation, including the resources, institutions, and policies needed to move industrial decarbonization projects from concept to deployment at scale. Presenters will share the roadmap’s key recommendations and connect this work to the state’s goals under the MI Healthy Climate Plan, which includes strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Michigan industry, reducing air pollution in communities across the state, and meeting Michigan’s targets of a 52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Register here.
    • December 2: Institute for Energy Innovation Energy 101: Breakfast + Brainstorm – Several times a year, the Institute for Energy Innovation hosts its Energy 101 educational events to connect Michigan EIBC members with legislators and legislative staffers. This December 2, participants will learn about the importance and value of community renewable energy resources. These events give policy makers and Michigan EIBC members an opportunity to network and dig deeper into the energy policy issues shaping Michigan’s advanced energy economy. If your company or organization is not already a member, contact us for more information on membership (mieibc@mieibc.org).

    Save the dates for Michigan EIBC’s Annual Conference on April 15, 2027 and Annual Gala on September 29, 2027

    Jobs

    If you have a job announcement you would like in the newsletter, please send the position and a link to apply to Mark Griffin at mark@mieibc.org. Please include in the email a specific end date for the job posting.

    Opportunities

    • *NEW* The MPSC has posted a request for proposals (RFP) for the $4.875 million in Renewable Energy and Electrification Infrastructure Enhancement and Development Grant (Renewable Energy EIED), as outlined in Public Act 21 of 2026. A webpage has been created specifically for the Renewable Energy EIED Grant Program with additional information on the RFP process and timeline, as well as a link to the application forms. Potential applicants have two opportunities to seek clarification on the RFP. Inquiries must be submitted via the MPSC grants administration email. Round one inquiries are due on November 23, 2026. Responses will be posted on December 3, 2026. Round two inquiries are due on December 14, with responses coming a week later.
    • The Remediation and Redevelopment Division of EGLE is excited to announce the first round of Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Brightfields Renewable Energy Pilot. The Brownfield Renewable Energy Pilot will award $10 million in grants over its lifetime to local units of government to support the development of renewable energy and energy storage on sites of known environmental contamination. Proposal timeline is between November 2 and December 11, 2026. EGLE will hold an informational webinar on Monday, November 9 at 11am to introduce the MI Brightfields Pilot, walk through the application process, and answer questions. You can register for the webinar here.
    • The Elective Pay Energy Community Bonus Credit provides a 10% increase to clean energy investment or production tax credits for eligible projects located in designated energy communities. Elective pay lets tax-exempt and governmental entities (like local governments, schools, and nonprofits) receive clean energy tax credits as a cash refund from the IRS. Any tax-exempt organizations installing solar or battery can contact can click here for more information about free technical assistance to identify elective pay status and processes.
    • The Michigan Green Building Collaborative (MiGBC) Leadership Awards. MiGBC celebrates the year’s accomplishments in the green building industry by awarding notable projects, individuals, and organizations. We recognize those who strive for innovation, sustainability, and community vibrancy. MiGBC’s mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, in a way that improves the quality of life in Michigan. Deadline for submission is October 2. Read more.
    • The Renewables Ready Communities Award (RRCA) hosted by Michigan’s EGLE is a one-time payment that local governments can receive for hosting and/or permitting eligible large-scale renewable energy projects. Local governments can apply as soon as an eligible energy project is permitted, and award payment is made when construction on the project begins. An eligible project is a grid-connected wind, solar, or energy storage project in Michigan which received a local permit (e.g. a land use permit or site plan approval) after September 30th, 2023. Read more.
    • Sponsors and donations needed to 3x impact of the HARVEST Project — a collaboration with United Agrivoltaics Heartland Alliance, UMich SEAS, and MSU Extension. Masters students work on real-world land use and community challenges faced by solar and farmers. Sponsor a case study while gaining visibility and tailored insights!
    • Sustainable States Network RFQ for Build America, Buy America (BABA)-Compliant Charging Equipment (Rolling)
    • Michigan EGLE funding (Rolling)

    Resources

    • The Michigan PSC has launched an affordability webpage that outlines actions the Commission has taken in recent years to control energy costs and expand energy assistance programs for those most in need. 
    • The Small Business Association of Michigan published a compilation of available clean energy federal tax credits for businesses. See Clean Energy Tax Credits for Michigan Businesses
    • The National Governors Association and the National League of Cities EV Workforce Collaborative Resource Hub
    • Michigan Department of Natural Resources best practices for wind energy and wildlife in Michigan
    • The Michigan Infrastructure Office Technical Assistance Center has launched a website with information about how tax-exempt entities can take advantage of federal clean energy tax credits using elective pay.
      • See new deadlines for elective pay following the passage of OBBBA.
    • The Michigan Public Service Commission has created a website tracking its progress implementing Public Acts 229, 231, 233, 234, and 235, passed on Nov. 8, 2023.
    • Rheaply, NextCycle Michigan and Michigan EGLE have launched the Michigan Materials Marketplace, which allows businesses to buy and sell excess materials so they can be reused instead of discarded.