DETROIT – A new project will put hundreds of acres of vacant land on Detroit’s east side to good use.
New solar panels will be used to help power three different neighborhoods. It’s part of the Solar Neighborhoods Project, which aims to use 250 acres of vacant and blighted land to generate clean power for more than 125 buildings in the city.
Jean Holt has an ailing husband and has been wanting to leave her State Fair neighborhood, but had few options until there was a knock at her door. She was asked if she considered selling her home.
Holt is one of dozens of homeowners living in areas where there are few left who are selling their homes to make more room for solar farms.
The goal is to have the solar farms power all city buildings in the future.
Eligible homeowners can receive funding toward energy-efficient upgrades to their homes -- such as a new furnace, windows or roofing.
The project will be rolled out in phases. The first phase will convert 100 acres. Preparation is expected to begin in the fall.
City leaders said they’re already discussing expanding the program in 2025.
More information can be found on the official Solar Neighborhoods website.