Oakland County funds Solarize outreach program to encourage residential solar
Summary
The Finance Committee approved "Solarize" (CREEP), a county partnership with Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association to hold up to eight community education events, budgeted at $20,000 to cover venues, refreshments and targeted advertising to promote residential and small-business solar adoption.
The board approved the Oakland Solarize Initiative, a community renewable-energy education and outreach program that county staff will run with the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.
Commissioner Woodward, who sponsored the item, said the program would hold up to eight countywide meetings to educate residents and small organizations about solar benefits, installer processes and bulk-purchase discounts. The proposal included a not-to-exceed budget of $20,000 (roughly $2,500 per event) to pay for rental space, refreshments and targeted advertising; the county—s role is to coordinate and promote rather than subsidize individual installations. Staff and the Association said installers provide free preliminary estimates and that, if multiple homeowners elect to buy together, installers may offer a 5-15% group discount.
Commissioners asked whether homeowners associations could block installations; staff noted a 2024 Michigan law prevents blanket HOA prohibitions on solar and EV chargers, though HOAs can adopt aesthetic guidelines. The motion carried with unanimous support.
