Germany-based energy company RWE would operate the proposed $300 million Silver Maple Solar farm spanning 1,900 acres in Zeeland and Jamestown Townships. It has secured 52 private leases, 60% of those located in Zeeland Township.
In response, Zeeland Township filed a lawsuit claiming Public Act 233, which allows renewable energy developers to bypass local government approval, is unconstitutional. RWE filed documents with the Michigan Public Service Commission earlier this year, which has final say in renewable energy projects.
Since it was announced in 2025, the project has received pushback from some area residents concerned about the loss of farmland, environmental impacts, and aesthetic issues.
An RWE spokesperson has stated that the project would create 250 temporary construction jobs, power 34,000 homes, and generate over $31 million in tax revenue.
The first public meeting will take place on September 10th at 5:30 p.m. at the Drenthe Grove Dozeman Center. The second meeting is September 11th at 5:30 p.m. at Patmos Library.
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