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Alpena Today
By the People, for the People
Alpena Community College's Solar Array Project Nears Completion
The $4.6 million project, funded by a state grant, will power the college's campus and provide hands-on learning for students.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Alpena Community College's Board of Trustees has voted to authorize the college's president, Don MacMaster, to sign all remaining agreements related to the college's solar array project. The 1.8-megawatt solar array, which covers six acres off Woodward Avenue, is expected to be operational by July and will be used to power the college's campus, with any excess power sold to the local utility, Alpena Power Company.
Why it matters
The solar array project is a significant step for Alpena Community College in reducing its carbon footprint and reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Alpena Power Company. Additionally, the project includes a learning lab that will be used by the college's Electrical Systems Technology students, providing them with hands-on experience in electrical grid management.
The details
The solar array project includes an easement agreement with Alpena Power Company, where the utility will construct a tower to allow the power generated by the solar panels to be transferred to the power grid. The $4.6 million project was completely funded by a state grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission, and the panels have already been erected, with the remaining work focused on connecting the array to an inverter to allow the power to enter the grid.
- The Alpena Community College Board of Trustees approved the project in October 2024.
- The project broke ground in September 2026.
- The solar array is expected to be operational by July 2026.
The players
Don MacMaster
The president of Alpena Community College, who has been authorized to sign all remaining agreements related to the solar array project.
Alpena Power Company
The local utility that will be constructing a tower to allow the power generated by the solar array to be transferred to the power grid.
Alpena Community College Board of Trustees
The governing body that voted to authorize the college's president to sign all remaining agreements related to the solar array project.
Electrical Systems Technology students
Students who will be using the learning lab associated with the solar array project to gain hands-on experience in electrical grid management.
Michigan Public Service Commission
The state agency that provided a $4.6 million grant to fund the solar array project.
What’s next
The solar array is expected to be operational by July 2026, and the college's Electrical Systems Technology students will begin using the learning lab associated with the project.
The takeaway
Alpena Community College's solar array project is a significant step in the college's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and provide hands-on learning opportunities for its students in the field of electrical grid management, while also strengthening its partnership with the local utility.
