One of Detroit’s latest revitalization projects is transforming vacant and blighted areas of land into solar arrays, and Local 58 members are helping to make that happen.
Billions of dollars have been funneled into Detroit’s coffers to fund a number of projects aimed at invigorating the city’s downtown. But much less attention has been paid to the underserved neighborhoods that are farther from the city’s core.
Now, with the help of Detroit Local 58, those overlooked areas are getting a boost in the form of solar arrays.
“This project speaks to Detroit’s commitment to renewable energy and our local union workforce,” said Local 58 Business Representative Byron Osbern. “We are partners in a more sustainable initiative for this city.”
The initiative will install nine solar arrays in five neighborhoods, covering a total of 167 acres. The undertaking is expected to generate 31 megawatts of solar energy, which will be used to power just under 130 municipal buildings, including City Hall, police and fire stations, recreation centers, health clinics, and transit centers.
The effort is part of a goal set by the city to power 100% of its municipal buildings with clean energy by 2034.
Local 58 members will be handling panels, connecting to inverters, grounding and bonding, connecting the solar array to the utility, and installing underground conduit. The initiative is being done under the Tri-Trade Solar Agreement, under which the IBEW works with LIUNA and the Operating Engineers to delineate which union is responsible for different aspects of a solar construction project.
IBEW signatory contractor Motor City Electric has been chosen for all of the work on the project and is partnering with DTE, the area utility that employs members of Detroit Local 17. Matt Beck, MCE senior project manager, it has 20 to 30 members working on the arrays so far, and will likely have 40 at the peak.
“Local 58 has a great relationship with DTE,” Beck said. “They knew they could trust us with the work.”
For people living in the designated areas, various forms of compensation have been offered, based on where they live in relation to the sites. Some homeowners were relocated and given market value for their homes. Others received $15,000 to $25,000 in energy efficiency upgrades, including roof repairs and upgrades to windows, furnaces and water heaters.
“These repairs are making a real difference in these people’s lives,” Beck said, noting that one woman had a carbon monoxide detector installed and it went off a few months later, alerting her to the odorless poison. “She survived something that she previously may not have.”
Residents in the affected neighborhoods have also been participating in the design and beautification aspects of the initiative and are getting regular updates on the project’s progress.
“It’s very rare to have neighbors giving so much input,” Beck said. “Usually, you go to a council meeting and a project passes or not. Not only are the residents having input in the meetings, but they’re getting regular updates on construction progress.”
The inclusion of residents has allowed for more community buy-in, Beck said.
“They’re thrilled to be able to take part in the design,” Beck said. “It’s been pretty positive.”
Residents are also getting an education on solar power and the advantages of green energy, as well as the function of photovoltaic technology and safe work practices, Beck and Osbern said.
“The education they’re getting allows for more community engagement, which is a plus for everyone involved,” Beck said.
The project, which has all subcontractors hailing from the Detroit area, was made possible by tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which was designed to improve the financial viability of renewable energy projects.
