LANSING, MI — As the Michigan Legislature considers bipartisan legislation — House Bill 4590 and Senate Bills 518 and 519 — to create a community solar program, a statewide Mason-Dixon poll shows voters strongly favor the idea and want lawmakers to move forward.
The poll of 625 registered voters found broad enthusiasm for expanding solar generally, with 73 percent of voters supporting increased use of solar energy in Michigan. Majorities of Democrats, independents, and Republicans agree. Support for distributed energy systems such as community solar and battery storage is similarly strong: 67 percent would vote YES on a proposal to expand these projects statewide.
“These results confirm what we’ve been hearing in communities across Michigan: people are tired of high electricity bills and want real options to save money,” said Rep. Markkanen, lead sponsor of HB 4590. “Community solar projects give families, seniors, farmers, and small businesses the ability to participate in locally built power and see guaranteed savings on their bills — without needing rooftop panels or expensive upgrades. It’s a practical, market-driven step that strengthens reliability and keeps more of our energy dollars here at home.”
This legislation would allow Michigan residents — including renters, homeowners, farmers, and small businesses — to subscribe to small, locally built solar projects and receive guaranteed bill credits. The model is already working in more than 20 states, delivering lower costs and new private investment.
“The poll makes it clear that Michiganders want more control over their energy costs, and community energy is one of the best tools we have to deliver that,” said Sen. Ed McBroom, lead Senate sponsor. “This is a bipartisan solution that puts consumers first. By allowing small, locally developed projects to compete and provide bill credits, we can lower costs, reduce strain on the grid, and give rural and urban communities alike a chance to benefit from homegrown power. It’s time for Michigan to join the states that are already successfully using this approach to lower bills and strengthen local economies.”
Lower electricity bills remain the top reason voters back community solar, along with environmental benefits and giving communities more say over their energy choices.
“These results make it clear that voters are ahead of the Legislature,” said Carlo Cavallaro, New Markets Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “Michiganders want more options, more competition, and more reliable local power.”
About the Poll
The Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy survey was conducted September 2–4, 2025, among 625 registered Michigan voters. The margin of error is ±4 percent.
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About CCSA
CCSA is a national trade association representing over 125 community solar developers, businesses, and nonprofits. Together, we are building the electric grid of the future where every customer has the freedom to support the generation of clean, local solar energy to power their lives. Through legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the support of a diverse coalition — including advocates for competition, clean energy, ratepayers, landowners, farmers, and environmental justice — we enable policies that unlock the potential of distributed energy resources, starting with community solar. For more information, visit https://www.communitysolaraccess.org and follow the group on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Youtube.