Geronimo Power has officially broken ground on its 125-megawatt Jackson County Solar project in Michigan, marking another major milestone in the state’s clean energy expansion.

The project, located in Jackson County, is scheduled to come online in early 2026 and is expected to deliver both economic and environmental benefits to the region.

“As a company founded on a farm in the rural Midwest, I’m thrilled to see our MISO footprint continue to grow,” said Joe Ibrahim, vice president of construction at Geronimo Power. “The addition of the Jackson project to our Michigan portfolio will bring more than $70 million in total economic benefit. This is significant when you consider the impact that will make for local residents and communities – we’re proud to be part of that story.”

The Jackson County Solar project is designed to generate enough electricity to power tens of thousands of homes while offsetting carbon emissions equivalent to removing thousands of gas-powered cars from the road annually. Beyond the environmental benefits, the project is poised to become a major driver of local growth.

Once operational, the project is projected to generate $28 million in new tax revenue over its first 20 years, funds that will flow directly to counties, townships, and school districts across the region. Local officials say this investment will strengthen public services, fund infrastructure improvements, and provide long-term stability for area schools.

Construction is being led by Barnhart Energy Company (BEC), which anticipates the project will create and sustain approximately 300 construction and service jobs during the buildout phase. Many of these positions will be filled by local workers, ensuring that the immediate community benefits directly from the project’s presence.

“We’ve enjoyed serving Geronimo Power on the Jackson County Solar project and are proud to help bring this milestone to life in Michigan,” said Jeff Bowin, CEO of BEC. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when vision and execution align with collaborative problem-solving. A true one-team culture. We’re grateful for the trust placed in us as their EPC partner.”

The Jackson County development represents one of several large-scale renewable energy projects advancing in Michigan, as the state pursues ambitious carbon reduction goals and works to diversify its energy portfolio. Renewable projects like this not only lower dependence on fossil fuels but also position Michigan as a growing hub for clean energy investment in the Midwest.

Local stakeholders say they anticipate additional community benefits beyond tax revenue and jobs, including educational opportunities related to renewable energy, partnerships with local businesses, and potential workforce training initiatives.

With construction now underway, crews are focused on site preparation and early installation of equipment, paving the way for full-scale solar deployment in 2026.

Originally reported by Kelly Pickerel in Solar Power World.