Neighbors Rally for Rooftop Solar as Federal Support Shrinks

Grassroots 'Solarize' programs help Michigan residents buy solar panels together, even as incentives dwindle.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and potential of renewable solar energy.As federal support for renewable energy wanes, grassroots solar initiatives empower Michigan communities to take control of their energy future.Highland Park Today

A grassroots solar installation trend has taken shape across Michigan towns and counties, as residents seek to capitalize on group-buy discounts and federal incentives to upgrade their homes with rooftop solar panels. Programs like 'Solarize' have helped overcome barriers to solar adoption, but the national solar industry is facing disruption as federal support shrinks.

Why it matters

As federal tax credits and solar support programs are scaled back, community-driven 'Solarize' initiatives are helping Michigan homeowners and businesses still access renewable energy sources, even as utility rates continue to rise. These local efforts could serve as a model for other communities looking to boost solar adoption.

The details

The Solarize program, overseen by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, has expanded to several Michigan cities and counties. Residents like Woody Gontina and Julie Roth have become ambassadors, hosting neighborhood events to encourage solar installations and secure group-buy discounts from approved contractors. While federal incentives have shrunk, the Solarize model allows homeowners to still take advantage of remaining opportunities, like business and nonprofit tax credits that run through 2027.

  • In 2019, Ann Arbor resident Julie Roth hosted the first Solarize meeting in her home, which was attended by 40 people.
  • Within a year of that initial meeting, about a dozen people installed solar panels on their homes.
  • Oakland County launched its Solarize program in 2021, aiming to raise awareness and guide homeowners and businesses toward available solar incentives.

The players

Woody Gontina

A Royal Oak city commissioner who helped launch the Solarize Royal Oak initiative to encourage his neighbors to install solar panels.

Julie Roth

An Ann Arbor energy manager and resident who helped bring the Solarize program to her neighborhood in 2019, hosting a successful initial meeting that led to several local solar installations.

Julie Lyons Bricker

The chief sustainability officer for Oakland County, which adopted the Solarize program in 2021 to help raise awareness and guide homeowners and businesses toward solar incentives.

Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association

The organization that now oversees the Solarize program, which has expanded to several Michigan cities and counties.

DTE Energy

The electric utility provider for many Michigan residents, which has continued to raise rates, prompting some homeowners to seek solar as a way to offset rising energy costs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Because of the solar and the battery, we had our whole house powered day and night throughout that outage.”

— Woody Gontina, Royal Oak city commissioner

“It basically started because we were trying to overcome barriers to adoption. We didn't have any staff. It started as a volunteer thing. We didn't have any money, and so with no resources and very little bandwidth, what can you do?”

— Julie Roth, Ann Arbor energy manager and resident

“As we see our energy costs continuing to rise, that's really the biggest argument for renewables. Our electric provider, DTE, has demonstrated that they will not stop continuing to ask for increases at a regular pace until there's something legislatively done to stop that.”

— Woody Gontina, Royal Oak city commissioner

What’s next

The Sustainable Energy Utility program in Ann Arbor, approved by roughly 80% of voters, is expected to launch pilot projects targeting lower-income neighborhoods in 2026, with citywide expansion planned for 2027. This program will allow residents and businesses to access solar and battery storage without upfront costs, with the city owning the equipment and customers paying a monthly rate.

The takeaway

While federal support for solar has diminished, grassroots 'Solarize' programs in Michigan are empowering local communities to overcome barriers to solar adoption and embrace renewable energy sources, serving as a model for other cities and counties looking to boost residential and commercial solar installations.