Maize Rays Solar Power Initiatives
“Maize Rays” is a solar energy initiative at the University of Michigan that directly supports eliminating carbon emissions from campus-purchased electricity. It currently represents what will be the largest higher education solar power installation in North America. Go Blue!
Maize Rays includes 25 megawatts of on-campus solar installations across U-M properties, equivalent to the power needs of more than 3,000 average homes. This initiative will soon incorporate off-site locations that boost Michigan-based renewables.
On-Campus Installation Overview
- Capacity: 25 megawatts, powering the equivalent of 3,000 homes annually.
- Timeline: Phased rollout over three years starting in early 2025.
- Partner: Radial Power, an energy and sustainability firm, will design and build the installations.
Installation locations
U-M will add 25 megawatts of renewable energy across U-M properties through the new Maize Rays solar expansion initiative.
Why solar power?
Solar power harnesses sunlight using photovoltaic panels, creating clean electricity that reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Benefits include:
- Lower costs: Reduced operational expenses over time.
- Environmental impact: Decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Energy resilience: Enhanced reliability
Engagement
We invite all members of the U-M community to join us in broadly sharing the news of these exciting energy initiatives. To discover ways to participate, stay updated on upcoming events, or share your feedback, please contact the Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation. For answers to common questions, visit our FAQ page.
Together, we can build a brighter and more sustainable future for our campuses.
Tracking progress
U-M will launch interactive data dashboards to provide updates on energy generation and key metrics. These tools will encourage the community and public to observe U-M’s transition to renewable energy.
