Great Lakes Climate Corps Completes 25 Free Solar Projects for UP Homeowners

The Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP) Energy and Climate Office announced in late July 2023 that its Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) has completed 25 free residential solar installations for low-income families across Michigan's Upper Peninsula since the program launched in 2019.

The milestone 25th system was installed at the Marquette home of Marcia Delaski, the first project completed within the city of Marquette itself. The 2.7-kilowatt, six-panel rooftop array was installed over two days by crews from Peninsula Solar, which partners with the GLCC on installations.

"Our solar program is the only program in the state where people can get free solar panels through an application process," said Solomon Kronberg, SWP Energy Services Lead. "We're really excited that we're starting to do this work so close to home and she's the first one."

How the Program Works

The program is billed as Michigan's first income-qualified residential solar program. Eligible households apply through the Superior Watershed Partnership, then receive a comprehensive home energy audit. Based on the audit, SWP technicians size a rooftop photovoltaic system designed to offset roughly 30 percent of the household's annual electricity use at no cost to the homeowner.

Installations are carried out by Great Lakes Climate Corps members working alongside Peninsula Solar. Beyond solar, the GLCC team conducts Home Energy Scores and weatherization work, with a stated goal of helping struggling households become energy secure and reduce their dependence on state energy assistance.

Counties Served

Of the first 25 installations, Delta County led with seven projects, followed by Houghton County with six and Baraga County with five. Single installations were completed in Ontonagon, Menominee, Schoolcraft, Iron, and Marquette counties. GLCC crews serve all three Upper Peninsula Great Lakes watersheds — Superior, Michigan, and Huron.

Funding

The solar installations are funded through a mix of local, state, and private grants, along with support from the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) for its customers. Since the SWP Energy Office opened, it has assisted more than 8,500 Upper Peninsula households with utility costs, conducted over 1,000 home energy audits, and weatherized more than 150 homes.

How to Apply

Upper Peninsula homeowners interested in applying for a free home energy audit or the income-qualified solar program can contact the Superior Watershed Partnership Energy and Climate Office at 906-272-2742 or visit superiorwatersheds.org.