University of Michigan Expands Maize Rays Solar Push
The campus solar program targets 25 megawatts as the university works to eliminate purchased-electricity emissions by 2027.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Energy
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The University of Michigan is expanding its solar capacity through the Maize Rays program, which aims to generate 25 megawatts of solar power across campus land, building roofs and off-campus projects. The three-year plan began in 2025 and is tied to the university's goal of eliminating emissions from purchased electricity in 2027.
Why it matters
The solar installations feed directly into university buildings rather than the regional power grid, helping the university cut Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. For Ann Arbor, the expansion shows how a major campus institution is moving to renewable power as part of its long-term Campus 2050 Plan.
Solar capacity is being added in stages, including 2.19 MW of rooftop solar planned for the athletic campus next year and 1.2 MW at the Dean Road Transportation Facility this winter. The plan's progress toward the full 25 MW target has not been detailed in the source.
The players
University of Michigan
A public research university based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, known for its large campus system and its Campus 2050 Plan for sustainability.
DTE Energy
A Michigan-based utility company that has entered wind and solar agreements with the University of Michigan as part of its emissions goals.
The details
The Maize Rays program places solar installations on otherwise-unused land around campus, on building roofs and at projects away from Ann Arbor, including half a megawatt of panels added to the Tony England Engineering Lab on the Dearborn campus. Wind and solar agreements with DTE Energy are part of the broader plan to eliminate purchased-electricity emissions in 2027.
Timeline
2025: The three-year Maize Rays plan begins.
Fall 2025: The North Campus Facilities Services Building receives 0.6 MW of solar capacity.
This winter: Solar capacity is added to the North Campus Administrative Complex and the Dean Road Transportation Facility.
Next year: Rooftop solar is planned for the athletic campus.
2027: The university targets elimination of emissions tied to purchased electricity.
Roadmap
The expansion follows the Climate Action portion of the Campus 2050 Plan, which calls for incorporating solar into power efficiency and heat pump infrastructure. It marks a concrete step from planning toward installed capacity on campus buildings and land.
For Ann Arbor residents and campus users, the expansion means more of the electricity powering university buildings comes from on-site solar rather than the regional grid. The shift is expected to be felt most directly in campus facilities such as athletic and engineering buildings as installations come online.
The takeaway
Campus solar projects like Maize Rays show how large institutions can cut purchased-electricity emissions by generating power on the land and rooftops they already control. Tracking the installations scheduled for this winter and next year will show whether the 25 MW goal is on pace.
What happens next
Solar additions at the Dean Road Transportation Facility and the North Campus Administrative Complex are scheduled for this winter, and rooftop solar at the athletic campus is planned for next year. The university's 2027 target for eliminating purchased-electricity emissions will be the next major benchmark.
Further reading
For more on how local institutions are shifting their power sources, browse Energy coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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