Lightstar, op partnership with the city of Detroit, announced the launch of a new solar project that combines urban agriculture and renewable energy. Called “Locally-Sited Utility-Scale Solar,” this initiative marks the beginning of a multi-phase initiative aimed at interweaving solar infrastructure growth with sustainable agricultural development in partnership with Detroit’s vibrant communities.
Phase I of the project will bring a 10 MW solar portfolio to two community-oriented locations: State Fair and Gratiot-Findlay. With successive phases looking to further expand this innovative fusion of technology and agriculture, Lightstar and city leaders are laying the foundation for a future where Detroit leads the way in urban sustainability.
At its core, this company tries to strengthen the local community by combining solar energy generation with agriculture, also known as agrivoltaic energy. Potential crops such as lettuce, kale, carrots and a variety of berries are expected to thrive alongside solar panels, illustrating a harmonious balance between energy production and urban agriculture. Lightstar is actively seeking urban agriculture partners who can provide fresh, local and sustainably grown produce and livestock products to the people of Detroit. These collaborations are intended to strengthen Detroit’s food distribution systems and ensure that the fruits of this project will feed the city’s residents for decades to come.
Lightstar is committed to ensuring that the positive ripple effects of the project are felt throughout the community. Through the administration of Community Benefits packages, Lightstar will provide energy efficiency upgrades to eligible homeowners in the neighborhoods directly affected by the project, improving their quality of life and strengthening a legacy of community-oriented progress. These upgrades, coupled with regular community check-ins to incorporate feedback into the project design, will deliver a project that neighborhoods want to see.
In a significant step towards inclusivity and cultural awareness, Lightstar has partnered with JIMA Studio to roll out a comprehensive community engagement strategy. With its groundbreaking work in landscape architecture and urban planning, JIMA Studio offers a unique approach that focuses on the needs and aspirations of Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities in Detroit. Leveraging JIMA Studio’s expertise and Lightstar’s resources, the partnership aims to foster resilient communities that honor cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development. The initiatives will not only improve the quality of life for residents, but also provide opportunities for local businesses and artists to flourish.
“This project is not just about generating renewable energy; it is about cultivating hope, promoting resilience and sowing the seeds for a sustainable future for all Detroiters,” said Brianna Fiorillo, Policy & Strategy Manager, Midwest at Lightstar, who was instrumental in the successful submitting the RFP for the project to the city. “Through a partnership with American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Michigan State University Agricultural Extension, Lightstar plans to use the data collected from this project to inform and inspire similar initiatives across the country, paving a path for the integration of agrivoltaic energy throughout the country.”
News item from Lightstar
