The Hart Solar Project in Oceana County is now generating enough renewable electricity for more than 21,000 Michigan homes. Local schools and services are seeing new funding and cost savings from the project.
The Hart Solar Project has started sending clean electricity to thousands of homes across Michigan. This 120-megawatt solar farm, built by NorthStar Clean Energy in Oceana County, is now up and running. It gives a new source of carbon-free power to a wide mix of customers. NorthStar Clean Energy is the renewable arm of CMS Energy, which supplies power to about 1.9 million electric and 1.8 million gas customers across the state. Many of those customers live in Oakland County and the Farmington area, according to a Barchart market summary.
The Hart Solar Project is expected to produce more than 200 gigawatt hours of electricity each year. That is enough to power over 21,000 homes annually. NorthStar Clean Energy says the project will keep about 96,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the air every year. This helps Michigan move away from fossil fuels. The project fits with Michigan's clean energy goals and new rules, including Public Act 233 of 2023. This law lets big renewable projects get approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission if local rules do not match state renewable standards, as reported by the Mining Gazette.
Economic impact and community benefits
The project's reach goes beyond just making electricity. More than 300 jobs were created during construction. The project brought major investment to the area. Local governments will get new tax revenue, which will help pay for services and upgrades. The City of Hart and Hart Township in Oceana County have both backed renewable energy. Recent council meetings have focused on how sustainable projects help local people.
Hart Township received about $600,000 from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's Renewables Ready Communities Award Program. This money is set aside for community improvements that will last for years. The CMS Energy Foundation also gave $100,000 to the Lakeshore Food Club, a local food bank, to help people get the resources they need. The City of Hart recently joined the new West Michigan Fire Authority, showing a push to strengthen emergency services and work with nearby towns, as covered by Oceana Echo.
Long-term savings for schools and public agencies
Power from the Hart Solar Project is sold through long-term deals with Executive Energy Services and the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA). These deals are set to help keep energy costs in check for customers, including Oakland County and small businesses across Michigan. Executive Energy Services says Oakland Schools and 45 other public school districts are on track to save about $25 million over ten years. That means more money can go to classrooms and school needs, while also meeting sustainability goals. The Farmington Public Schools board, which serves Farmington and Farmington Hills, is one of many Oakland County districts that will see these savings and better energy reliability.
MPPA's role lets public power communities, big and small, get steady, affordable renewable energy. By joining together, these communities can take part in large projects like Hart Solar, which would be too costly for smaller towns on their own. Michigan's current net metering rules, with new outflow-credit rates for DTE and Consumers Energy as of spring 2026, keep shaping how local solar projects and long-term power deals work for both homes and public groups.
Celebrating completion and looking ahead
NorthStar Clean Energy will hold a ribbon-cutting for the project on October 8. Project partners, customers, local officials, and community leaders will gather to mark the milestone. The event will honor the teamwork behind the Hart Solar Project and show Michigan's ongoing push for renewable energy. The City of Farmington and Oakland County leaders have both backed efforts to expand clean energy and use state and regional partnerships to help local residents.
Michigan is looking for steady, low-carbon energy options. The Hart Solar Project is a clear example of how public and private groups can work together to bring both environmental and economic gains. The state is also moving forward in other areas, as seen in recent reports on new nuclear reactor projects.
NorthStar Clean Energy, founded in 1987, runs a wide range of energy assets and stays focused on helping customers meet business and sustainability goals. The launch of the Hart Solar Project shows that big renewable projects can bring real results for Michigan communities, from saving money at home to boosting local investment and cutting emissions. As more projects like this start up, Michigan's energy future is looking more sustainable and centered on its communities.
