This 2024 Dow Fellows project, in partnership with Friends of the Shiawassee River, assessed the stormwater impacts of utility-scale solar developments in mid-Michigan. As Michigan expands renewable energy, concerns have emerged about how large-scale solar installations affect runoff and water quality, particularly in the Shiawassee River watershed. Recent legislation (Public Acts 233 and 234 of 2023) shifts permitting responsibilities to the Michigan Public Service Commission in many cases, raising questions about stormwater regulation and mitigation.

The project brought together an interdisciplinary team of engineering, law, and urban planning students to explore this issue through two complementary lenses: modeling and policy analysis. Using PV SMaRT modeling software, the team projected runoff changes from solar installations, identifying soil compaction as a key factor influencing increased stormwater flow. Meanwhile, a policy analysis examined regulatory frameworks, highlighting opportunities for both state and local governments to implement effective stormwater management strategies.

The team’s findings support best practices, including vegetative groundcover, soil restoration, and collaborative local engagement with developers. By bridging technical analysis with policy recommendations, the project provides a foundation for informed decisionmaking, ensuring that Michigan’s clean energy transition aligns with responsible watershed stewardship.