Detroit’s Solar Neighborhoods Take Shape with Lightstar and Local Input
Collaborative Efforts Drive Lightstar’s Solar Neighborhood Landscaping Plans
Each neighborhood designed their own landscaping, which include blend of ornamental trees, perennials, urban agriculture and wildflower meadows
Construction to begin Spring 2025
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.
Agrivoltaics—a dual land-use approach that combines solar energy production with agriculture—will be a standout feature in both neighborhoods. This innovative initiative not only brings clean energy to the area but also creates opportunities to partner with urban farming organizations, supporting local food production while enhancing the land's utility.
“Lightstar is deeply committed to building lasting, positive connections within the communities we serve,” shares Brianna Fiorillo, Midwest Policy & Strategy Manager at Lightstar. “It was incredibly exciting to engage with neighbors from Gratiot-Findlay and State Fair during this early phase of the solar project. Seeing the community come together to discuss design options, agrivoltaics, and other elements was so inspiring. The final designs reflect their input and collaboration, and we’re thrilled to implement them to ensure these solar sites become valuable assets to their neighborhoods.”
At Lightstar, we believe that community-driven projects create lasting impact, and this collaborative design process is a testament to the power of collective input. Together, we’re not just building solar arrays—we’re laying the foundation for a more connected and sustainable future. As we move forward with the project, we will continue to engage with and listen to the community's voices, working together towards a common goal of a brighter, cleaner future for all. Our commitment to collaboration and vision extends beyond just this project, as we strive to build strong and meaningful relationships in every community we serve. So let’s keep moving forward together, towards a cleaner and low-cost energy future.
We are dedicated to finding innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of each community while creating positive impacts for both residents and the environment.
Lightstar is dedicated to finding innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of each community while creating positive impacts for both residents and the environment.
See Brianna’s press kit for speaking topics and credentials: https://www.lightstar.com/press-kits
Contact Meghan Welborn, Director of Marketing & PR for press inquires and speaking enagagements for Brianna and the Lightstar team.