DTE Energy announced at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 11 that it has completed construction on Polaris Solar Park.
Located in Washington and North Star Townships in Gratiot County, the 100-megawatt solar park will generate enough clean energy to power more than 23,000 homes when it comes online this summer.
“DTE is committed to growing our portfolio of clean, Michigan-made renewable energy as part of our broader generation mix to support the evolving energy needs of our customers,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric. “This continues to be the most active period of renewable energy development in DTE’s history, which also enables us to partner with local communities to help drive economic development and improve the lives of residents in towns across Michigan.”
Since 2009, DTE’s investments in renewable energy have created an estimated 20,000 jobs in Michigan. Polaris Solar will bring Gratiot County, Washington Township and North Star Township significant added tax revenue over the life of the project, which can be used by the local communities and county for roads, first responders, libraries and other vital community services. This is in addition to the $42 million in tax revenue driven by DTE’s three existing wind parks in Gratiot County.
“Polaris Solar is a significant investment in Gratiot County, a project that will benefit police departments, county parks, and local government entities throughout our local communities,” said Jim Wheeler, President of Greater Gratiot Development, a non-profit organization that promotes economic activity in Gratiot County. “Where some counties are looking at cutbacks, we haven’t had to do that. Here, renewable energy helps improve the overall quality of life for the county and the people who live in it.”
Polaris Solar is DTE’s third new solar park connecting to the electric grid in 2025, with five additional parks under construction. These projects are funded through DTE’s voluntary MIGreenPower, Michigan’s largest community solar program. Customer enrollments in MIGreenPower are also helping to fuel DTE’s progress toward its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions and reaching Michigan’s renewable energy standard of 60% by 2035.
DTE Energy completes its third new solar park of 2025
