The University of Michigan (UM) has completed two solar projects on campus, adding rooftop panels and solar carports to its North Campus Administrative Complex. These projects bring the school’s renewable electricity generation to 2.5 megawatts (MW) across seven locations on UM’s Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses, according to a May 2026 university press release.

These solar projects are part of the university’s Maize Rays Solar Power Initiatives, a three-year plan to install 25 MW of on-campus solar across UM properties—the equivalent of providing enough power for more than 3,000 homes annually. Construction began in 2025. 

In addition to the two recently completed projects, Maize Rays has installed solar arrays at UM’s North Campus Facilities Services Building and the Tony England Engineering Lab Building. Another 1.1 MW of on-campus solar capacity is currently being constructed. More projects are expected through the summer. These seven operational installations generate enough renewable electricity to power about 300 average Michigan homes annually and feed power directly into the university’s own electric grid, according to the press release.

The Maize Rays initiative will be the largest higher education solar power installation in North America, according to the university. UM anticipates that this initiative will result in net zero greenhouse gas emissions from university-wide purchased electricity in 2027.

“The continued expansion of Maize Rays reflects the university’s commitment to stewardship and energy transitions that are good for communities,” said Shana Weber, associate vice president for campus sustainability and innovation, in the press release. “These projects not only reduce risk associated with reliance on fossil fuels, but also create opportunities for learning and engagement across the university and broader community.” 

It’s a key strategy in the university’s sustainability and climate action goals, managed by the facilities and operations departments and supported by the Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation. The student organization Students for Clean Energy also collaborates.

Maize Rays solar installations are being designed and built by energy and sustainability firm Radial Power, Houston, which focuses on solar panels, energy storage systems and electric vehicle charging stations for large real estate portfolio owners.

Once UM completes its on-campus solar installations, it plans to expand to off-site university locations.