Poll reveals 76% of Michiganders support community solar legislation
Both Republicans and Democrats support bipartisan bill package increasing access to solar energy in Michigan
Lansing, Mich. – Recent polling shows significant support for community solar in Michigan, with three out of four respondents favoring the concept, according to results released today by the Michigan Community Solar Alliance (MCSA).
“It’s clear that support for increased energy choice and saving money on utility bills is extremely attractive among Michiganders,” said Bernie Porn, president of Epic MRA, who conducted the poll. “It’s almost unheard of in these volatile times to have a bipartisan proposal with three out of four people supporting it.”
The poll revealed 76 percent of respondents support legislation that would allow Michigan residents and businesses to subscribe to a community solar project. Other results showed that:
69 percent of respondents support giving Michigan electric customers and businesses increased energy choices.
Nearly 40 percent of respondents would be interested in subscribing to a community solar project.
“Community solar would bring increased access to renewable energy while strengthening Michigan’s energy grid and benefitting our economy,” said John Kinch, executive director of Michigan Energy Options. “This is a win-win for Michigan and it’s great to see so much support for this proposal across the state.”
Community solar refers to a solar array located within a community where multiple customers can subscribe and receive a credit on their utility bill for their share of the power that is produced, just as if the panels were on their own roof.
More than 50 percent of American households don’t have access to solar power because they either rent, live in a multi-tenant building, have roofs unable to host a solar system, or live in a service territory of a utility that won’t allow it. Through community solar, people could be connected to a local solar installation who would provide subscribers with equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar generation.
MCSA was formed in May 2021 to advocate for the passage of House Bills 4715 and 4716 which will bring more community solar projects to the state. The bills, which were introduced in the Michigan House on April 27, 2021 are sponsored by state Reps. Rachel Hood (D- Grand Rapids) and Michele Hoitenga (R- Manton), respectively.
The Alliance is led by 14 founding organizations including:
Associated Builders and Contractors Michigan
The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America – Michigan Chapter
Coalition for Community Solar Access
Ecology Center
Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
MI Air MI Health
Michigan Conservative Energy Forum
Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council
Michigan Energy Options
Michigan Environmental Council
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Michigan Municipal League
Sierra Club Michigan
Vote Solar Action Fund
The survey of 600 likely voters was completed between Feb. 19-25, 2021 by EPIC MRA. For more information about the Alliance, visit www.micommunitysolaralliance.com.