Expanded pilot to bring Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility to income-eligible residents citywide
More Ann Arbor residents now have the opportunity to power their homes with Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (A2SEU) solar panels and battery storage systems.
The grant-supported A2SEU pilot program that kicked off in March 2026 in the Bryant neighborhood is expanding to income-eligible residents throughout the city. Expansion was authorized at the Oct. 5, 2026, City Council meeting.
“Bryant residents are sharing overwhelming satisfaction with their choice to join the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility and generate their own clean, reliable energy,” said A2SEU Executive Director Shoshannah Lenski. “They tell us how their A2SEU power stayed on during grid outages and saved refrigerators full of food and kept their medications safe. We also hear about the A2SEU making their energy utility bills more predictable and lower overall. We’re excited to expand these A2SEU pilot advantages to income-eligible residents throughout Ann Arbor.”
Bryant pilot installations began May 18, 2026, and more than 90 homes are signed up for renewable, reliable solar energy through the A2SEU, an approximately 30% adoption rate. Rental households comprise one-third of the A2SEU’s current customer base.
Who can participate in the expanded pilot?
Ann Arbor residents who qualify for public assistance programs, such as Medicaid, MEAP, HUD and TANF, are eligible to apply for pilot participation.
Qualifying homes will have roofs that are approximately 10 years old or newer and in good condition. Properties will also be assessed for their solar-energy potential.
Grant funding is available to support an estimated 20 additional eligible households through this pilot expansion, and the A2SEU continuously seeks grant opportunities to extend support further for those with the greatest need. Residents are encouraged to sign up to express interest.
What is the A2SEU cost to eligible participants?
The A2SEU owns and maintains the equipment, including the solar panels and battery storage systems, eliminating upkeep on the part of the resident. The A2SEU also charges no upfront fees, and the pilot rate model keeps monthly fees low:
- $25 per month from October through March
- $75 per month from April through September
Pilot rates were designed so most customers will see no increase in total electric utility bills because they are supplementing energy from the traditional grid with onsite solar power.
How do residents sign up?
Ann Arbor business owners and residents can learn more about A2SEU energy and express interest in service via the online form. At this pilot stage, A2SEU staff will follow up with income-eligible residents to review their current energy bills and assess savings potentials.
A2SEU staff will also hold drop-in sessions throughout November for interested residents to ask questions and learn more. Session dates and times will be sent to individuals who’ve expressed interest on the signup form.
“The A2SEU is working to make solar energy accessible and affordable to all,” said Lenski. “It’s been a joy to partner and make history with Bryant residents and now we’re eager to branch out with the A2SEU.”
About the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility
The Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility is a first-of-its-kind municipal energy utility, authorized by Ann Arbor voters in November 2024. The A2SEU, a member of the Michigan Municipal Electric Association, is optional and supplemental — meaning customers will remain connected to the existing power grid — and provides 100% local, renewable and clean energy. Learn more at www.A2SEU.com.
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Media Contact:
Shoshannah Lenski, Executive Director, Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility, slenski@a2gov.org