One of the most exciting aspects of my role as a Clean Energy Specialist is seeing firsthand the impact of solar installations on local businesses. In just my first eight weeks with Groundwork Center, I’ve already visited two sites that have recently invested in solar energy. My first visit was to Lakeview Hill Farm in Leelanau County, where I saw how seamlessly solar energy has been woven into their agricultural operation.

Driving in, I passed vibrant flower fields framed by rows of solar panels. At first glance, it might seem unusual to see crops and solar equipment side by side. However, after spending time on the farm, it became clear just how naturally clean energy and farming can complement each other.

During my visit, I sat down with John Dindia, who co-owns the farm with his wife, Bailey Samp. The two started Lakeview Hill Farm in 2017, driven by a shared passion for organic farming and local food. From our conversation, I learned that the farm received support from the Agriculture & Rural Businesses Energy Incentive Program, administered by EGLE, to help fund their solar installation. They also qualified for a 30% federal tax credit once the system was completed—making the project not only environmentally responsible but also financially smart.

Today, Lakeview Hill Farm generates approximately 75% of its total energy needs from solar power—a powerful example of how renewable energy and agriculture can coexist and thrive together.

My next visit was to Suttons Bay, home of Inland Seas, a non-profit organization that sparks curiosity and stewardship for our Great Lakes. Driving up to the education campus, I was struck by the rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels against the backdrop of Lake Michigan – a powerful reminder of why I do this work: to help preserve our natural resources through clean energy solutions. 

Inside the campus building, I sat down with Fred Sitkins, the Executive Director. He shared that when they first considered solar, he worried about reliability throughout the year, given Northern Michigan’s long, dark winters. But as Fred went on to explain, those doubts quickly disappeared. 

The system far exceeded expectations — generating over $25,000 worth of electricity and producing three times more energy than the campus consumes during the summer months alone.

Back to his previous concern about those long winter months, Freid shared that the darkest stretch of the year – November through January – has minimal effect on their system’s performance. When the sun peaks back through in February, he said, as he showed me his solar app, there is a spike in solar production once more. And here’s the part that may surprise many of you: solar panels generate more energy in the cold. Lower temperatures boost their voltage output, which means that even the limited sunlight of winter can deliver impressive results. 

Walking away from Inland Seas, I felt encouraged by how renewable energy isn’t just about meeting an energy need; it’s also about powering a mission rooted in caring for our Great Lakes.

I look forward to sharing more stories like these with you! Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months as our Clean Energy team continues to engage with and assist in clean energy siting throughout Northern Michigan, bringing us one step closer to the state’s goal of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030.

Lyla Hollis is Groundwork’s Clean Energy Specialist. lyla.hollis@groundworkcenter.org