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CASS COUNTY — Ranger Power’s Steelhead Solar project in Cass County has  received unanimous approval for its Conditional Use Permit from both the Marcellus Township Planning Commission and its Board of Trustees. 

The Steelhead Solar project is expected to generate up to 200 megawatts (MW) of clean,  renewable energy each year, sufficient to power roughly 35,000 homes, and employ up to 200 workers during construction, most of whom will be hired locally. 

“The Steelhead Solar project illustrates what we can accomplish when everyone is pulling in the  same direction to support clean, renewable energy in Michigan,” said Paul Harris, co-founder  and president of Ranger Power. “We are grateful for the support from our local partners and  the community is going to benefit from this project for decades to come with significant new tax  revenues that will support local schools, public safety and infrastructure.” 

“I appreciate Ranger Power’s community-first approach, their transparency, and their  willingness to work with us to ensure that the Steelhead Solar project is a good fit for our  community,” said Marcellus Township Supervisor Ed Koshar. “We understand that Ranger  Power had the opportunity to go to the state and bypass local review and approval under the  new siting legislation and we appreciate that they were willing to complete siting review in our  township and under our zoning ordinance. I look forward to seeing the project come to fruition  and the substantial benefits it will bring to our community.” 

“Due to the State of Michigan’s 2040 clean energy goal, projects like the Steelhead Solar  development have become a necessity if we are to have a reliable electric grid,” said Zach  Morris, Executive Director of Market One. Morris went on to state: “The Steelhead Solar  project offers numerous benefits locally, such as rental income to landowners, property taxes,  and the creation of construction jobs for area workers.”

An economic analysis by the Anderson Economic Group noted that the Steelhead Solar  project is projected to generate $2.4 million in personal property tax revenues in the first year  after commissioning and $24.6 million over the 40-year expected life of the solar farm. This  includes $6.9 million in tax revenue to Cass County, $8.1 million to the local township  government and library authority, and $2.5 million to Southwestern Michigan Community  College. Additionally, nearly $7.2 million will go to support local general education services. This  includes $4.9 million towards school debt and $2.3 million to the Heritage Southwest  Intermediate School District (ISD). 

Marcellus Township is also eligible to receive a one-time Renewable Ready Community  Award from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), which  will provide an additional $1 million ($5,000 per megawatt) to support local needs within the  township. Half of these award funds will be granted up front, and the remaining funds disbursed  following project completion. 

Ranger Power expects to begin construction on the Steelhead Solar project in mid-2026 with  completion slated for late-2027. When the facility is decommissioned at the end of its expected  40-year lifespan, the land can be returned to its current agricultural use.