Groveland Mine Solar
Located in Dickinson County, Michigan, Groveland Mine Solar Farm is an economic development opportunity for the region that will provide new revenue to local governments and create construction jobs. The project will be sited on public and private lands that include portions of the decommissioned Groveland Mine, which operated from the early 1950s until 1981 under the ownership of the Hanna Mining Company.
120
Megawatts of electricity generated
17,600
Homes powered annually
From Brownfield to "Brightfield"
DNR Initiative Gives Historic Mining Site New Life
Photo Credit: Dan Dumas/Kim Swisher Communications
Brownfield sites are often difficult to redevelop due to their previous use – but, through the installation of solar farms, they become “brightfields” that create taxable value for local entities and produce low-cost, renewable energy.
In 2020, Circle Power Renewables won a Michigan Department of Natural Resources contract to develop a solar farm on the site of the former Groveland Mine. WXPR Radio reported on the agreement when it was announced, although the project site featured in the story has since been altered to exclude wetland areas.
Project Site Maps
Groveland Mine Solar is located approximately 12 miles northeast of Iron Mountain, and three miles southeast of the M-95 and M-69 intersection. Groveland Mine Solar will not close or obstruct any existing Michigan DNR forest roads. Though areas immediately surrounding the solar arrays will be fenced, visitors to nearby popular fishing and hunting habitats will continue to have the same access to Michigan DNR forest roads near the solar array clusters that they have today.
Groveland Mine Solar is located at the corner of three townships: Felch, Norway, and Sagola. The site includes portions of private lands and lands leased from the Michigan DNR.
Community Benefits
Groveland Mine Solar is an economic development opportunity for partner communities and the Upper Peninsula
Construction Jobs
Groveland Mine Solar will be built over one or two construction seasons. According to the National Renewable Energy Lab's (NREL), construction labor costs for a 120 MW project are estimated at $12 million. In addition to direct construction costs, the regional economy will benefit when workers spend on ancillary services, like restaurants and hotels.
Property Tax Revenue
Local taxing entities will benefit from new revenue over the life of the project. These include Dickinson County; Felch, Norway, and Sagola Townships; and North Dickinson and Norway-Vulcan Area Schools.
Proud Partners of the U.P. Building Trades Council
Groveland Mine Solar has entered into an agreement with the U.P. Building Trades Council to guarantee that the project will be constructed with skilled union labor and provide good, safe, and efficient jobs.
Project Timeline
An overview of the schedule for completing Groveland Mine Solar
Groveland Mine Solar is in the development phase. Circle Power Renewables is currently working to complete environmental, engineering, and electric grid interconnection studies as well as secure permits. Once the solar farm is constructed, it will provide clean, reliable power to to the region for at least 30 years.
About Us
Circle Power Renewables develops solar, wind, and battery storage projects. We take a thoughtful, locally-focused approach to building reliable, clean, and inexpensive electric generation. Our team has decades of experience in the renewable energy industry, helping to power thousands of homes and businesses with clean electricity.
To learn more, visit our website at www.circlepowerco.com.
