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Updated: September 5, 2026 @ 2:44 am
Despite the Wexford Joint Planning Commission’s 8-0 recommendation to deny a zoning amendment that would allow utility-scale solar projects in agricultural/forest production districts, Ranger Power continues pursuing the proposed 375-megawatt Shipyard Solar project and appears to be preparing for a potential review by the Michigan Public Service Commission under Public Act 233.
Staff Writer/Reporter
Despite the Wexford Joint Planning Commission’s 8-0 recommendation to deny a zoning amendment that would allow utility-scale solar projects in agricultural/forest production districts, Ranger Power continues pursuing the proposed 375-megawatt Shipyard Solar project and appears to be preparing for a potential review by the Michigan Public Service Commission under Public Act 233.
• Despite the Wexford Joint Planning Commission’s 8-0 recommendation to deny a zoning amendment that would allow utility-scale solar projects in agricultural/forest production districts, Ranger Power continues pursuing the proposed 375-megawatt Shipyard Solar project and appears to be preparing for a potential review by the Michigan Public Service Commission under Public Act 233.
BUCKLEY — Roughly a month after a proposed zoning ordinance amendment was denied, the company looking to create a large-scale solar farm is still looking to move forward with the project.
On July 27, the Wexford Joint Planning Commission voted 8-0 to recommend denying a proposed zoning ordinance amendment that would have allowed utility uses, including large-scale solar facilities, in agricultural/forest production districts.
Commission members said the proposed amendment was too broad because it would permit a wider range of utility uses beyond solar energy projects.
More than 20 people spoke during a public hearing before the vote, with most opposing the amendment. Many said they support renewable energy but questioned placing a utility-scale solar development on productive farmland. Others urged local officials to preserve agricultural land while encouraging renewable energy in other locations.
Following the commission’s decision, the recommendation was sent to participating township boards, which have 60 days to decide whether to approve or reject the amendment.
So far, Wexford Joint Planning Commission Planning and Zoning Administrator Robert Hall said three townships have confirmed their decisions, with all three upholding the joint planning commission’s recommendation to deny the zoning ordinance amendment. The townships are Hanover, South Branch and Selma.
“I have had a couple townships call asking about the process. I expect a majority will be in by the end of the month upholding the planning commission’s recommendation,” Hall said.
Hall said Ranger Power has also reached out to Wexford Township as part of its preparation to go before the Michigan Public Service Commission. He said the project apparently has increased from 300 megawatts to 375 megawatts based on a letter sent to the township. He said the same letter was sent to Wexford County.
In the Aug. 14 letter Shipyard Solar LLC sent to Wexford County Board Chairman Gary Taylor regarding its proposed solar and energy storage project in Wexford Township, the company said it plans to develop, construct, own and operate an up to 375-megawatt solar energy facility and an up to 375-megawatt energy storage facility in Wexford Township and Grant Township in Grand Traverse County.
The letter also referenced a recent Michigan Court of Appeals opinion upholding the Michigan Public Service Commission’s authority to permit utility-scale renewable energy projects under Public Act 233 of 2023. The company asked Wexford County to confirm that it has not adopted a compatible renewable energy ordinance, or CREO, that would affect the project.
CREOs complies with statewide standards such as setbacks, decibel levels and height requirements, but a renewable energy ordinance is not considered compatible if it is more restrictive than statewide standards.
Shipyard Solar offered to meet with county officials to discuss the project and said that if it does not receive a response within 30 days, or if the county confirms it does not have a CREO, the company intends to file an application directly with the Michigan Public Service Commission seeking a siting certificate for the project.
Wexford County Administrator Joe Porterfield said he is talking with the county’s legal counsel to discuss and produce a written response to the letter.
On Tuesday, the Grant Township Board in Grand Traverse County held a special meeting to discuss the Aug. 14 notice.
The Grant Township board was scheduled to discuss hiring special legal counsel to assist the township in responding to the notice from Shipyard Solar LLC and Ranger Power and to address subsequent matters related to the project.
According to company materials, the project was originally going to generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity but that has since been increased to 375 megawatts based on the Aug. 14 letter. The project also will occupy about 1,800 fenced acres under long-term lease agreements with participating landowners. Ranger Power said it began acquiring land in 2023 and is targeting permitting in 2026, construction beginning in late 2028 and commercial operation by the second quarter of 2030.
The company has said it selected the area because of existing transmission infrastructure, willing landowners and proximity to electricity demand. Ranger Power also says the project would avoid wetlands, streams and sensitive wildlife habitat whenever possible while generating tens of millions of dollars in personal property tax revenue over the life of the project, creating hundreds of construction jobs, providing additional income for participating landowners and allowing farmland to regenerate through permanent vegetation planted beneath the solar arrays.
Despite the planning commission’s recommendation, the future of the project remains uncertain because of Michigan’s renewable energy siting law.
Attorney Catherine Kaufman, who addressed the commission during the July 27 meeting, explained that under Michigan’s Public Act 233, developers of renewable energy projects of 50 megawatts or larger may seek approval directly from the Michigan Public Service Commission if a local government does not have a compatible renewable energy ordinance.
Because the proposed Shipyard Solar project is expected to produce approximately 375 megawatts, it could qualify for that process.
Kaufman also said a local moratorium would not prevent developers from applying directly to the MPSC under state law.
She added that farmland preservation concerns can be considered during the MPSC review process and said local governments may receive up to $150,000 to hire legal counsel if they intervene in a case before the commission.
Hall previously said following the July 27 meeting that it is his understanding the developer would not necessarily have to wait for township boards to complete their review before applying to the state.
• Despite the Wexford Joint Planning Commission’s 8-0 recommendation to deny a zoning amendment that would allow utility-scale solar projects in agricultural/forest production districts, Ranger Power continues pursuing the proposed 375-megawatt Shipyard Solar project and appears to be preparing for a potential review by the Michigan Public Service Commission under Public Act 233.
rcharmoli@cadillacnews.com
Staff Writer/Reporter
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