Between September and December 2024, the Lightstar team, in partnership with local organizations in Detroit, hosted a series of neighborhood meetings to collaboratively shape the City’s Phase I Solar Neighborhoods program. These community gatherings provided a space for neighbors from Gratiot-Findlay and State Fair to share their visions, preferences, and ideas for the solar arrays soon to be integrated into their neighborhoods. Together, we explored landscaping and fencing options, presenting various designs for their thoughtful input. Residents cast votes for their favorite designs, which helped us finalize a landscaping plan that reflects their collective voice.

‘Twas the Night Before Solar Succes

Deep in the UP, an abandoned mine could offer hope for green energy fights.

Brianna Fiorillo, Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest at Lightstar weighs-in.

Lightstar’s own Kelly Buchanan, Policy & Strategy Manager, East, shares information on NJ Enacts 200-MW Dual-solar Pilot Program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved a three-year pilot program to create 200 MW of dual-use solar capacity that puts solar panels on functioning farmland in a precursor to a permanent program. 

Relevant and timely article: For jobs and survival, Michigan needs community solar now

Michigan lawmakers are considering Senate Bills 152 and 153 to enable community solar, allowing all residents to access clean, affordable, and reliable energy, regardless of income or housing status, and creating thousands of jobs in the state.

Great article from Energy News Network: As the world continues to turn towards renewable energy sources, there has been a growing concern over the impact these projects may have on agricultural land. Farmers rely on their land for their livelihood, and losing valuable farmland to solar farms can be devastating. However, one Illinois farmer found a way to turn this potential conflict into a mutually beneficial opportunity through agrivoltaics.

Did you know the global capacity for solar energy could cover more than 100 times the world’s current energy use? Now imagine harnessing this power to simultaneously boost agricultural productivity. 

Agrivoltaics, a groundbreaking concept that combines agriculture with photovoltaic technology, is transforming landscapes by integrating solar panels with crop cultivation. This innovative approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also sustains agricultural output. Coupled with community solar initiatives, agrivoltaics offers a strategic path towards sustainable development, engaging local communities in renewable energy adoption. 

Lightstar Teams Volunteer at Aldermere Farm and Erickson Fields: Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s agricultural preserves in Rockport, helping to feed the Midcoast community.

Agrivoltaics is the next frontier of the clean energy transition! Rutgers, American Farmland Trust and other New Jersey stakeholders have been hard at work leading the agrivoltaics industry towards further research and commercial deployment that will benefit farmers, local food production, and clean energy goals simultaneously. On Thursday, October 10th, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities will provide an update on the dual-use pilot program rules. Lightstar is anxious to see this program opened and for the benefits of agrivoltaics to be accessed more widely in the Garden State. 

Solar development is increasingly recognized as a substantial contributor to the renewable energy sector. Yet, the path to achieving environmentally responsible solar projects is layered with complexities. From my roots as an environmental consultant to my current role as a solar development manager, I've navigated this terrain by balancing the dual imperatives of preserving local environmental and community character with renewable development needs.

Credit: City of Detroit Flickr

Group Executive for Neighborhoods Ray Solomon (left) and Mayor Mike Duggan (right) listen as Tepfirah Rushdan, director of Detroit's Office of Sustainability (center) speaks Monday during the city's "solar neighborhoods" announcement.

3 Winners, 2 Losers from the 2nd Annual Solar Farm Summit - Has it already been a few weeks since the solar industry converged on the Loews Chicago Hotel for the 2nd annual Solar Farm Summit?

Lucy shares her journey from environmental health research to becoming a champion for clean energy. Learn how Lightstar is leading the charge with 1200 megawatts of solar in their pipeline, including 300 megawatts of cutting-edge agrivoltaics projects.

While there are very few agrivoltaic projects in Illinois, early research and small projects show synergies between solar energy and agriculture. The co-location of solar panels and agriculture could keep farmers in business, improve ecosystem health, feed the country and provide clean energy.

Welcome to another edition of "Out and About with Owen." Today, I’m thrilled to share my experience attending the World Agrivoltaics Conference, an event that showcased the latest advancements in integrating agriculture with solar energy.

Credit: City of Detroit Flickr

Group Executive for Neighborhoods Ray Solomon (left) and Mayor Mike Duggan (right) listen as Tepfirah Rushdan, director of Detroit's Office of Sustainability (center) speaks Monday during the city's "solar neighborhoods" announcement.

Mayor Mike Duggan on Monday announced the first three neighborhoods chosen to take part in a project to convert blighted lots into solar farms to help power municipal buildings.

ISU visit was a spectacular display of a land grant institution executing on the three pieces: extension, research and teaching. To begin with the main attraction, the agrivoltaics array that was built with Alliant Energy showcases how land grants are moving towards research on agrivoltaics with commercially scaled specifications.

This post aims to unravel why DG interconnection in ComEd's territory is so challenging and what the new changes to the interconnection process will do to help, highlighting key insights and perspectives on the issues at hand.

Meet Owen Deitcher, a dynamic Development Associate at Lightstar, whose passion for community solar and agrivoltaics illuminates his work and personal adventures. Owen isn't just part of our team; he's the heart of our mission, bringing the spirit of community to everything we do in solar energy. Travelling across the country and occasionally Europe, he dives deep into rural communities, engaging with farmers and locals, enriching his understanding, and advocating for a brighter, sustainable future. Beyond his professional pursuits, Owen’s love for travel and meeting new people fuels his quest for knowledge and connection, making him a true advocate for rural communities and sustainable development. Join Owen on his mission to empower communities through solar energy, one conversation at a time.