FROM IRON ORE TO SOLAR POWER
The Upper Peninsula’s history is rooted in mining, innovation and a strong sense of responsibility for the land we call home. The Republic Solar Project builds on that legacy while marking an important step in UPPCO’s growth and the future of how we serve our customers.
UPPCO is developing a 62.5 MW utility-scale solar project on approximately 300 acres of the former Republic Mine tailings area. As a significant investment in our energy future, the project reflects our commitment to growing responsibly, diversifying energy resources and creating long-term value for the communities we serve. By repurposing a former industrial site, we can make productive use of existing land, reduce project costs, provide economic benefits to the local township, and minimize impact to the beautiful place we call home. These priorities are a representation of our vision for a clean, connected and sustainable Upper Peninsula.
CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
Helical Foundations
These screw-shaped anchors are driven 8–9 feet into the ground within the tailings area, providing a stable foundation for the solar array’s above-ground structures.
Racking
Steel racking structures are secured to the helical foundations and provide the framework for mounting the solar panels. The project uses a fixed-tilt design, keeping panels at a consistent angle and orientation. This simpler design reduces the number of moving parts, lowering the potential for mechanical failures compared with systems that track the sun throughout the day.
Panels
Nearly 127,000 panels will be mounted on the racking structures. These high-efficiency, bifacial panels capture sunlight from the front and reflected light from the back, including sunlight reflected off snow, helping maximize energy production throughout the year.
Interconnection
The solar array will be connected to the grid, via underground cables, to the existing Perch Lake Substation, near the mine site.
Yes. Heavy-haul traffic (large trucks/semis) will be routed to the mine entrance via Co. Rd. LLK/Park City Rd. While much of the helical foundations and racking systems have been delivered to the site already, more will be delivered in the summer months. The most noticeable change will be an increase in heavy-haul traffic beginning in August. UPPCO expects several trucks each day delivering solar panels, and other equipment, to the project site.
- The Republic Solar project is just one of several renewable projects that UPPCO plans to undertake over the next ten to fifteen years to meet Michigan’s 2023 renewable and clean energy laws. Based on current modeled projections, UPPCO expects the initial bill impacts, necessary to reach the 60% renewable statute by 2035, may be less than 5% for a typical residential bill.
- Modeled breakeven for this project occurs in Year 20 depending upon
accounting treatment for any investment tax credits.
UPPCO has secured certain lease and easements that could extend for up to 65 years and would allow for continued operation and maintenance of the facilities for that duration. Upon mutual concurrence with the landowner, the Project could extend much longer.
- Specific Tax portion
i. ~ $61,250 per year for 20 years to Republic Township
ii. ~ $1,225,000 total - Localized economic benefits from construction
i. Utilization of regionally local, skilled-trade labor
ii. Increase in general economic activity in localized region
iii. Income multiplier effect – an increase in local incomes leads to an increase in local spending - Revitalization of a former industrial site
- Compliance with Michigan’s 2023 renewable & clean energy laws.
- With many of the tax credits, the costs of these projects are proving to be cost competitive when compared to other technologies
- As a portion of UPPCO’s power supply portfolio, renewable energy has an important place in the future sustainability of our electricity grid. Utility-scale solar will be part of this, so are the Company’s existing hydroelectric facilities.
- Optimizing investment tax credits where appropriate to lower the cost of the project.
- Competitive procurement regarding proposals for development
- Competitive procurement of Engineering, Equipment, and Construction contracts
- Internal project management and engineering oversight of project deliverables.
Yes. The Republic Solar project is a direct result of the Michigan Public Service Commission Order in Case No. U-20350 whereby UPPCO was directed to build 62.5 MW of renewable and contract 62.5 MW of renewable.
Yes. Utility scale solar production estimates come from solar modeling software that utilizes regional data (weather/irradiance) combined with solar facility design characteristics (panel output/layout) to simulate the amount of solar energy that will reach the site over a given period.
Preliminary planning for the Republic site indicates winter months, defined as November through March, will contribute approximately 30% of the total annual production of a solar facility while the remaining non-winter months provide the remaining 70%.
- Roads: Heavy-haul traffic will be routed through Republic Mine to bypass downtown Republic and will require DOT permitting. Also, contractors will be required to have a plan for managing traffic to/from site to ensure all County Rd permitting requirements are met and adhered to.
- Substation/Solar Array Design: Contractors and UPPCO engineers will evaluate the proposed substation and solar array design with a heightened emphasis on mitigating any potential negative visual aspects of the project.
- Generation – Transmission Line (G-T): The generation- transmission (G-T) line that will connect the solar project to Perch Lake Substation will be constructed underground and will not be visible.
- During construction: Yes. Residents can expect to experience elevated levels of sound during construction due to the transportation of construction equipment and crews. Varying sizes of trucks will be necessary for transportation of equipment to and from the construction site.
- During operation: Generally, no. Solar photovoltaics are a static method of power generation and produce very little noise during operation. Some low noise levels are expected in the vicinity around the power inverters and substation but nothing more than industry standard for such installations. Activity from operation and maintenance of the facility is anticipated to be minimal. UPPCO will be following the MI siting laws (PA233 of 2023) that include noise requirements for the project to be no louder than 55 dB. The existing Perch Lake Sub will be no louder than it is today after construction.
- The solar arrays and collector substation will be enclosed with a perimeter fence and is anticipated to be primarily situated on the tailings area.
- The generation-transmission line will connect into the Perch Lake substation and will be underground and approximately 1 mile in length.
- All UPPCO customers will benefit from this renewable generation.
- The energy created from the Republic Solar project will be interconnected to the power grid at the Perch Lake Substation. Once the energy is interconnected at the transmission level it will be utilized by all UPPCO customers, whether near the Republic site or at any point on the UPPCO system.
February 2020
MPSC issued order directing UPPCO to procure 125 MW of renewable generation.
May 2024
UPPCO purchased solar project development company and began value engineering.
November 2024
UPPCO secured 100% site control through lease & easement at the former Republic Mine site.
March 2025
UPPCO held a stakeholder information session in Republic Township seeking input and support.
April 2025
UPPCO files Solar Energy Facilities Exemption Certificate (Form 6052).
May 2025
UPPCO selects contractors for the project.
August 2025
Republic Township Board approves UPPCO's application for a Solar Energy Facilities Exemption Certificate.
September 2025
Primary road into the tailings area constructed and ~4,000 helical foundations installed, demonstrating start of construction.
May - June 2026
Site preparation (filling low areas on the tailings area) on-going and ~ 90% facility design completed.
August 2026
Anticipated start of solar panel installation.
2027
Targeted commercial operation.
*Timeline last updated 07/21/2026
RENEWABLE ENERGY STRATEGY
Our approach to energy planning starts with keeping the lights on while prioritizing energy independence and complying with Michigan’s 2023 energy laws. Through competitive procurement, we seek reliable, cost-effective energy solutions that make the best use of available land, with a preference for former industrial and brownfield sites. We also prioritize projects that deliver lasting economic benefits to the communities we serve and maximize available tax credits to help create value for all customers.
ENERGY TRANSITION
UPPCO has a rich history of generating electricity from renewable sources. Currently, The Company’s seven hydroelectric facilities produce about 20% of the electricity served to customers across some of the Upper Peninsula’s most rugged and remote regions.
In alignment with renewable and clean energy standards established in the State’s 2023 Energy Laws, UPPCO is building a plan to produce more electricity from renewable sources like the Republic Solar Project. Learn more about how UPPCO is safely keeping the lights on while prioritizing stewardship of the beautiful natural resources that make this peninsula so special.
Energy Transition Details