Hart Solar

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Oceana County, Michigan
Performance Single-axis trackers to track the sun’s course throughout the day, and high-efficient solar PV panels with central inverters
Capacity More than 200 gigawatt hours of electricity annually
Planet 96,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year

Overview

Hart Solar is a 120-megawatt utility-scale solar facility located in Oceana County, Michigan. Developed and operated by NorthStar Clean Energy, the project entered commercial operation in 2026 and delivers renewable energy to a diverse group of public-sector and municipal customers across Michigan.

The project provides renewable energy to a portfolio of offtakers, including Executive Energy, which supplies power to 46 Michigan public school districts, and Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA), a longstanding leader in renewable energy procurement for Michigan communities. Through these partnerships, Hart Solar helps customers meet sustainability goals while securing long-term, cost-effective energy resources.

Solutions

Hart Solar delivers long-term renewable energy solutions to municipal utilities, public power agencies, educational institutions, and commercial and industrial customers participating in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) market.

By partnering with organizations such as Executive Energy and MPPA, Hart Solar enables Michigan communities, schools, and public power customers to access locally generated renewable energy while supporting economic growth and energy reliability.

Key Goals & Results

The project is expected to generate more than 100 construction jobs in the central Michigan region, more than $20 million of regional economic activity during construction and annual landowner lease payments and tax revenues throughout the project’s operating life.

Significant reductions in criteria air pollutants, water use, and wastewater discharge versus other forms of generation will also be realized. NorthStar Clean Energy will also be looking to align this project with opportunities in agriculture (e.g., animal-based grazing) and sustainability (adding/creating bee and butterfly habitat).

The development offers short- and long-term renewable energy purchase agreements for customers. Contact Todd Mortimer at todd.mortimer@cmsenergy.com or 517-788-0493.

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