Northern Michigan University has received a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to install a rooftop solar array at the campus WellBeing Center. The project will provide reliable renewable energy and reduce utility costs for the university, said NMU Assistant Vice President for Sustainability Jes Thompson. NMU was one of 21 statewide recipients of MDARD grants to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure that benefits rural communities.

“This project is a identified as a priority in both our Carbon Neutrality Plan and in the action plan for the Our Compass strategic plan,” Thompson added. “In the bigger picture, offsetting our electricity needs with clean, renewable energy produced on campus helps to lower our utility costs and our carbon footprint. As we think about the Okanagan Charter and well-being of people and planet, I couldn’t think of a better place for the university to install a rooftop solar array.” 

Last year, two student teams submitted proposals for rooftop solar at the new WellBeing Center to the Green Fund, a student-paid fee that funds sustainable, student-led initiatives on campus. The cost was about $250,000. Thompson said the Green Fund Committee and Sustainability Advisory Council loved the idea, but didn’t have enough in the reserve to fund such a big-ticket project.

They searched for grant opportunities and applied for MDARD funding in December. In the meantime, the cost of panels decreased, so they now have matching funds to make the Green Fund dream a reality.

“This is just the beginning!” Thompson said. “There are still a lot of grants at both the state and federal levels that NMU is eligible for when it comes to infrastructure upgrades and transitioning to a just and renewable energy economy. I think that we’ll continue to see awards like this as we bring together different departments and partners to improve sustainability on campus and in our community.”

According to Kathy Richards, NMU associate vice president of Engineering and Planning/Facilities, the design for the solar array will be completed in late fall, with construction taking place in summer 2026.

The MDARD Rural Development Fund Grants announced April 17 disperse more than $1.8 million to 21 projects:

“MDARD is committed to supporting the food, agriculture and forest products industries vital to Michigan’s economy,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Through programs like the Rural Development Fund, MDARD can support projects that strengthen infrastructure, promote sustainable land-based industries and deliver new jobs to rural communities.”

For more information about this grant program or a complete list of eligible counties, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.