Michigan ranks 26th in the U.S. for total installed solar capacity, while global capacity rose 21% from 2023. However, there are industry concerns that federal policy changes and trade barriers may slow future growth.

In 2024, Michigan added more than 450 megawatts of solar, bringing its total to 1,800 plus megawatts — enough to power more than 300,000 homes. Nationwide, nearly 50 gigawatts were installed.

Despite industry challenges, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association Director John Freeman remains confident, citing market demand as the key driver.

“The marketplace is indicating that you can get lower costing energy from using solar and wind, and at the same time, you’re also able to reduce your cost by not using an energy source like coal, which pollutes,” Freeman said.

While Freeman remains optimistic about the future of solar power, critics argue it’s unreliable, expensive upfront, land-intensive, difficult to recycle, dependent on subsidies, and a strain on the power grid.

In 2023, solar energy accounted for 53% of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the U.S., surpassing wind and natural gas.