OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — A multinational company seeking to build a controversial 1,900-acre solar farm near Zeeland may bypass local permits.
RWE, a Germany-based energy company, has scheduled two March public hearings to gather public comment.
RWE staff say they’re considering seeking project approval through the Michigan Public Service Commission under Public Act 233.
“For more than a year, RWE has supported Jamestown and Zeeland townships to craft a workable ordinance for the project. Given the project’s timeline, we are also exploring the MPSC route while continuing to work with the local officials, landowners, neighbors, and the community,” RWE Development Manager Joe Brochu said in a written statement.
“Our preferred route is to permit locally but we have to explore all available options that make sense for the project,” he said.
The large-scale solar farm has gotten pushback since information first surfaced publicly about the proposed $300 million project several months ago, opposition has been strong.
Residents have packed several Zeeland Township Planning Commission meetings, voicing concerns about farmland loss, aesthetics, environmental harm and more.
In Zeeland Township, where the bulk of solar panels would be located, planners first began drafting an ordinance last year to govern solar projects.
But recently, planners broadened the scope to include other renewable energy projects, such as wind and battery storage.
Planners earlier this month reviewed a draft ordinance, but it’s not clear when it will be finalized.
An RWE website dedicated to the Ottawa County “Silver Maple Solar” project shows it could cover slightly more than 1,900 acres generally bounded by I-196 to the north, Ottawa Executive Airport to the west, Ottogan Street to the south and 40th Avenue to the east.
The 200 MW project would not be spread over one contiguous area, but involve several non-contiguous plots on both sides of 48th Avenue.
RWE staff say they like the southern Ottawa County location because a high-voltage Consumers Energy transmission line runs through the area.
RWE portrays the solar array as environmentally friendly, with silicon-based panels constructed of materials “commonly used in building and household projects.”
The panels would have tracking systems, allowing them to turn with the sun.
Some residents say they’re worried about water runoff and potential fires.
Last fall, signs began to pop up in both townships asking readers to “Save Family Farms. Stop Solar Takeover.”
RWE has scheduled two public hearings as part of a potential MPSC request for approval.
They are as follows:
March 17, 6:00 p.m. at Evergreen Ministries, 4512 48th Ave, Hudsonville.
March 18, 6:00 p.m. Zeeland Township Hall, 6582 Byron Road, Zeeland.
RWE also is taking written comments, prior to the meetings, at silvermaplesolar@rwe.com.
John Tunison has been a reporter at MLive/Grand Rapids Press since 1997, covering courts, crime and local government. Since 2024, he's covered Ottawa County government.
Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, (updated 8/1/2024) and acknowledgement of our Privacy Policy, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/1/2026).
© 2026 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us).
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.
YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here.
Ad Choices

source