Benton Harbor Advances Solar Projects at Three City Buildings

City moves forward with solar plans despite loss of federal grant funding.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A city committee in Benton Harbor, Michigan has approved a plan to install solar energy systems in three municipal buildings, including city hall, the water plant, and the Bobo Brazil Community Center. This comes despite the cancellation of a $20 million federal grant that was originally intended to cover the costs of the projects.

Why it matters

The solar installations would help the city reduce its energy costs and carbon footprint, contributing to broader sustainability and resiliency goals. The ability to move forward despite the loss of federal funding demonstrates the city's commitment to renewable energy initiatives.

The details

The city was previously awarded a $20 million Community Change Grant from the EPA for workforce development, energy efficiency, and community resiliency programs. However, the Trump administration later clawed back that funding. Despite this setback, the city secured a $1.5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to cover the solar project design costs. The city is now moving forward with a $129,000 contract to have Charthouse Energy, LLC design the solar systems for the three municipal buildings.

  • The EPA previously awarded the $20 million Community Change Grant to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission.
  • The Trump administration later canceled the $20 million EPA grant.
  • The city secured a $1.5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for the solar project design.
  • This week, the city's Economic Development and Parks and Recreation Committee approved the contract with Charthouse Energy, LLC.

The players

Alex Little

Benton Harbor City Manager.

Charthouse Energy, LLC

The firm contracted to design the solar energy systems for the three Benton Harbor municipal buildings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Even though EPA canceled their project, we went back to the state and said, look, let us utilize that money since it's already been appropriated to get a designer that can design the system for the three buildings that we had in that grant and prepare construction-ready plans.”

— Alex Little, Benton Harbor City Manager (wsjm.com)

What’s next

The city will work with Charthouse Energy to finalize the solar system designs for the three municipal buildings, positioning the projects to move forward if additional funding is secured.

The takeaway

Benton Harbor's ability to adapt and find alternative funding sources to advance its solar energy initiatives despite the loss of federal grant money demonstrates the city's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, even in the face of setbacks.