Grand Rapids plans solar revival at former Butterworth landfill
Subscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest renewable energy news.
After more than a decade of studies and stalled negotiations, the City of Grand Rapids is moving ahead with plans to transform the long-dormant Butterworth Landfill into a solar power facility that could help power its municipal buildings with clean energy.
The site, located on the city’s west side, was once one of Michigan’s most contaminated properties. Now fully remediated and capped, the landfill is poised to host a two megawatt solar installation that could supply most of the city’s daytime electricity needs for municipal operations.
Assistant City Manager Doug Matthews described the effort as a long time coming. Early attempts to develop the site began around 2014, but collapsed due to financial and regulatory setbacks. After a previous developer faced funding issues and a proposed partnership with Consumers Energy proved too costly, the city is now seeking a private solar provider to build and operate the facility.
Building solar without disturbing the ground
The landfill presents unique engineering challenges. Because it was capped with a clay and soil layer as part of its environmental remediation, no digging or permanent anchoring is allowed. As a result, the solar panels will need to be mounted on ballasted concrete blocks that rest on the surface. While the capped area spans over 140 acres, the proposed solar field would occupy only a small portion, likely between five and ten acres.
Cost estimates for the project range from $6 million to $15 million, depending on market rates and how the solar array is integrated with the city’s power infrastructure. The city intends to purchase the electricity from the developer rather than operate the system itself. This allows the developer to take advantage of federal renewable energy tax credits which are subject to upcoming deadlines.
A race against federal incentive deadlines
If construction begins before July 4 of next year, the project would have four years to reach completion and still qualify for federal tax incentives. Delays beyond that point could require the project to be finished by the end of 2027 to remain eligible.
The city has already secured $3 million in state funds to support infrastructure upgrades at the site. The remaining investment will depend on competitive proposals and whether long-term electricity costs come in below current market rates of about 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.
City leaders have stated that any final decision will weigh economic feasibility against the city’s broader sustainability goals. Grand Rapids has committed to transitioning all city operations to renewable energy and views the Butterworth project as a critical part of that strategy. The request for proposals is expected to be issued by the end of the year, with construction anticipated to begin in mid 2026.
Sources: