Community Solar Gardens Program
Join Solar Gardens and support our shared commitment to Michigan-based renewable energy projects.
Support Michigan Solar Energy Without Installing Solar Panels
The Solar Gardens Community Solar Program allows eligible Consumers Energy electric customers to support Michigan solar energy without the need to install solar panels. Customers subscribe to Solar Blocks or Micro Blocks, pay a small monthly fee, and receive solar credits on future bills.
Enroll in Solar GardensKey Facts About the Solar Gardens Program
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Who is eligible for the program? Consumers Energy electric customers.
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Can renters participate? Yes, renters are welcome.
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Do I need to install any special equipment? Great news, no solar panels or equipment need to be installed.
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What is the minimum cost of the program? You can participate in Solar Gardens for as little as $2.40 a month.
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Do I have to sign a contract? No.
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Is there a fee if I cancel? No, you can cancel at any time at no cost.
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Will I get credits on my electric bill? Yes.
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How do I enroll? Click here to enroll online.
I like the idea of using solar energy to reduce Michigan’s dependence on fossil fuels. We have already increased the number of panels we support. It feels like the least we can do to protect the environment.
KAREN
SOLAR GARDENS SUBSCRIBER
How Solar Gardens Works
You Subscribe
Choose the number of SolarBlocks or MicroBlocks that fit your budget and enroll online in just a few steps.
We Generate
We'll generate renewable solar energy at one of our Michigan Solar Gardens and put that onto the grid.
You Get Credits on Your Bill
Your subscription earns solar credits that appear on future electric bills.
Changing or Canceling Is Simple
Subscriptions can be changed or canceled without fees.
Just give us a call at 517-374-2084.
Solar Gardens Pricing
Micro Blocks
A MicroBlock is 30% the size of a SolarBlock, making it the most affordable way to participate in Solar Gardens. Subscriptions start at $2.40 per month per MicroBlock.
Solar Blocks
A SolarBlock represents a larger share of solar energy generation. SolarBlocks cost $8 per month per block.
Signing up and Canceling
Consumers Energy electric customers with only one electric bill can enroll in Solar Gardens. Customers enrolled in the Budget Plan, Winter Protection Plan, or Shut-Off Protection Plan will receive a second bill for their Solar Gardens subscription instead of seeing the charge on their regular electric bill.
No contract is required. If your plans change, you can cancel your subscription by contacting us at 517-374-2084.
There is no cancellation fee. Just give us a call and we will cancel your subscription for you.
About Micro Blocks & Solar Blocks
Both options help support Michigan-made solar energy. SolarBlocks cost $8 per month per block, while MicroBlocks cost $2.40 per month per block. Choose the option that best fits your budget and energy goals.
As many as you want! Each block will help power a greener future for Michigan.
A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is an official record that shows 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from a renewable source, such as solar energy, and fed into the power grid. Think of it as proof that renewable energy was generated in Michigan thanks to you.
More Answers
You will see the credit on your bill in about 1 - 2 months.
Nope! Whether you rent or own, contributing to the Solar Gardens program is available for everyone.
Green-e Energy Certified
Consumers Energy Renewable Energy Program is Green-e® Energy certified and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit, Center for Resource Solutions. Learn more at www.green-e.org.
Contact Us About Subscribing to Solar Gardens
No rooftop panels required.
Solar Gardens Locations
Select one of the tabs below to see what your Solar Gardens Subscription will be investing in.
Grand Valley State University, Allendale
Explore the GVSU Solar Garden
The True Blue way to support solar energy in Michigan. Home to Michigan's largest community solar project, this Solar Garden has been generating clean energy for nearly a decade with more than 11,000 solar panels.
Quick Facts
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More than 11,200 solar panels span this 17-acre solar garden.
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This site was the largest community solar project in Michigan when it opened in 2016.
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The energy generated here helps power schools, businesses, and other community facilities across Michigan.
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The solar garden doubles as an outdoor classroom for students studying renewable energy.
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Students have used this solar garden as a real-world case study for engineering, environmental science, and data analysis projects. See Solar Garden plants learning opportunities for more details.
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The site has helped inspire new solar technologies and hands-on learning opportunities throughout West Michigan.
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo
Explore the WMU Kalamazoo Garden
Tucked into WMU’s Business Technology and Research Park, this garden has been quietly powering Bronco country since 2016. Clean energy and innovation have always gone hand and hand in Kalamazoo.
Quick Facts
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Located at Western Michigan University's Business Technology and Research Park.
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The site features nearly 3,900 solar panels across 8.5 acres.
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Generates up to 1 megawatt of electricity. This is enough to power hundreds of homes.
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Instead of mowers, sheep help keep the grass under control. The solar panels provide shade while they graze.
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The site is maintained in ways that help support local plants, bees, butterflies, and wildlife.
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Site operations began in August 2016.
Cadillac
Explore the Cadillac Garden
This garden didn't start as a solar farm. It started as a brownfield. Consumers Energy transformed the unused land in the heart of Cadillac into a clean energy source while creating a pollinator friendly habitat. This Solar Garden is truly a comeback story for the whole community.
Quick Facts
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This Solar Garden was built on 2.77 acres of brownfield land that was once used for industrial purposes. Now it serves as a source of clean energy.
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Features 1,752 solar panels that generate enough renewable energy to power roughly 100 homes.
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Includes an 885-kWh battery storage system that stores solar energy to use when it’s needed the most.
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One of Michigan's first solar projects designed to support pollinator-friendly habitat beneath the panels.
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As Michigan's first solar garden research site, this location helps researchers explore the benefits of Solar Gardens for clean energy and the environment.
Blackman, Jackson
Explore the Blackman Township Garden
Blackman Township is the newest addition to the Solar Gardens family. With thirty acres and 4,900 panels, this garden is ready to power a growing community of subscribers.
Quick Facts
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The project can generate up to 2.5 megawatts of renewable energy.
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Blackman Solar will help meet growing demand for community solar across Michigan.
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Expected to serve about 2,500 future Solar Gardens subscribers.
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The site will help grow the MI Sunrise program. This means more income-qualified households will have access to renewable energy.
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