Two additional solar arrays on the University of Michigan North Campus are now generating power, continuing the expansion of the Maize Rays initiative and bringing total on-campus solar generation to 2.5 megawatts across seven locations on U-M’s Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses.

The new installations are part of the university’s broader effort to expand on-campus solar generation and strengthen long-term energy resilience. The arrays are designed as “behind-the-meter” systems, meaning they feed power directly into the university’s own grid so the energy can be used where it is generated and shared among nearby campus buildings.

Together, the operational sites represent continued progress toward the university’s goal of developing 25 megawatts of on-campus solar generation across U-M properties.

“These projects demonstrate continued momentum in building a more resilient and sustainable energy system for the university,” said Brian Hall, assistant vice president for utilities. “Each installation helps us reduce emissions, strengthen operational resilience, and expand the role of renewable energy across our campuses.”

Located at the North Campus Administrative Complex, the installation includes both rooftop panels and solar carports with a combined generating capacity of approximately 0.73 megawatts. The project was completed during winter 2026 and is now actively generating electricity.

The new operational sites build on the university’s first Maize Rays installations, including arrays at the North Campus Facilities Services Building and the Tony England Engineering Lab Building, the initiative’s first solar site on the UM-Dearborn campus. Together, the seven operational installations now generate enough renewable electricity to power roughly 300 average Michigan homes each year.

The Maize Rays initiative directly supports the university’s broader campus energy transition goals, including efforts to eliminate Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions linked to purchased electricity.

An additional 1.1 megawatts of on-campus solar capacity are currently under construction, with more projects expected as summer construction activity increases.

“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. “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.”

The initiative is a collaboration among the Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation, Facilities & Operations, Radial Power and student groups such as Students for Clean Energy.

Beyond generating clean electricity for the campus, future phases of Maize Rays will also include community-serving solar installations developed in partnership with nearby communities extending the initiative’s benefits beyond campus.