LANSING — Michigan has given the go-ahead for a nearly $100 million solar farm in southern Ingham County, the first project to move forward under a 2023 state renewable energy law that shifted approval for such projects from local governments to the Michigan Public Service Commission.
The MPSC agreed to let Chicago-based Ranger Power construct its 90-megawatt Acceleration Solar Project on 870 acres spanning Leslie, Vevay and Onondaga townships in southwest Ingham County. It also OK’d a settlement agreement between the developer, local governments and the state agency, MPSC officials said in its Thursday, Aug. 27, release.
The project will be developed mainly east of College Road and south of Barnes Road in Vevay Township, and also includes parcels in Vevay and Onondaga townships.
The settlement agreement between MPSC, Ranger Power and the three townships establishes requirements for project construction, noise control, vegetative screening, lighting limitations, prompt complaint resolution, financial assurance for decommissioning, limitations on tree clearing, and more.
The agreement also sets limitations on the project’s footprint, which will include 618 fenced acres, and lays out rules for decommissioning including removal of underground infrastructure and restoration of the land for future agriculture use.
It also includes additional funding for township legal expenses, drain maintenance, and local fire personnel and first-responder training. The company agreed to execute a collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations for the project construction and maintenance work to be performed.
“The MPSC and the townships will monitor construction and operation of the project to ensure compliance, with required reports submitted to the Commission and townships,” the commission said in its release. “That includes annual reports on energy production, complaints, maintenance, and financial assurance through the life of the project.”
Ryan Wardin, spokesman for Ranger Power, said construction should begin in the first quarter of 2027 and operations should begin in mid-2028.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that Michigan is leading the way on the future of clean energy.
“This project will bring tens of millions in investment and more than a hundred good-paying jobs to Michigan communities,” she said. “It’s the very first project sited under the historic clean energy bill package I signed in 2023, which is helping us improve the grid, lower electricity bills, and build, baby, build more solar panels and wind turbines across Michigan.
“Let’s work together to grow our economy, protect our air, land, and water, secure our energy independence, and build a bright future for Michigan.”
Supervisors John Lazet of Vevay Township and Phil Hutchison of Onondaga Township could not be reached for comment.
Dallas Henney, Leslie Township’s supervisor, has been critical of the solar project and said earlier this year the legislation “pretty much took it out of our hands.” So he and the the other supervisors did what they could, Henney told the State Journal on Friday, Aug. 28, to get the best deal for their constituents.
“The process was tedious, which most government processes are,” he said. “Obviously, it was going to happen. It is what it is.”
Ranger Power’s release included a statement from Lazet.
“Following the filing of an application with the MPSC, the Township is grateful that Ranger Power was willing to sit down and listen to the quality of life concerns we had,” Lazet said. “We found Ranger Power to be thorough, detailed, competent, and open to township input. The result being an agreement that we feel is in the best interest of both the township and the Project.”
Ranger officials said Acceleration Solar is expected to bring up to $136 million in investment to thecounty and create approximately 150 jobs during construction. There will be a handful of long-term, full-time operations and maintenance positions.
The company said the project will generate substantial tax revenue, with an estimated $8 million going to Ingham County, $5.1 million to the Ingham Intermediate School District, $4.6 million to local schools, and $7.3 million in combined revenue for township millages.
“Today’s decision demonstrates what can be accomplished when communities, project developers, and state leaders work together toward a shared goal,” said Paul Harris, Ranger Power’s co-founder and president. “We are grateful to the community members and leaders of Vevay, Leslie, and Onondaga townships for their thoughtful engagement throughout this process. Acceleration Solar will deliver significant investment and employment opportunities while supporting Michigan’s long-term energy goals to provide the cheapest power available.”
Ranger Power promised in the release to maintain close coordination with the three townships, Ingham County, residents and state officials as Acceleration Solar progresses. This continued engagement is to include regular construction updates, pre-construction coordination and resident input on preferred visual screening.
DESRI, Ranger Power’s New York City-based partner on projects across the upper Midwest, will assume project responsibility at the start of construction and continue community engagement throughout Acceleration Solar’s buildout and operations.
Ranger Power’s Acceleration Solar application was the first filed with the MPSC after legislators approved Public Act 233. The MSPC’s website shows the agency has granted a certificate for Acceleration Solar and it continues to review six complete applications.
Walker Road Solar Farm LLC has voluntarily withdrawn its application to use about 1,600 acres for a solar farm in Bingham Township, near St. Johns.
MPSC records show Walker Road Solar Farm LLC voluntarily withdrew its application.
In January, local residents crowded the Bingham Township hall to protest and raise concerns about the project that a company official said would produce 150 megawatts of clean energy, which is enough to power about 28,000 homes.
The township board did not have a vote in the matter.
Contact editor Susan Vela at svela@lsj.com or 248-873-7044. Follow her on Twitter @susanvela.

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