Energy Values Lab at MSU and partners selected for $2.5 million US DOE Solar Energy Technology Office award to study social science of siting!

The Energy Values Lab in the Department of Community Sustainability, led by Doug Bessette, at Michigan State University has been selected for a $2,500,000 award by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office! This interdisciplinary and multi-institution project aims to answer a single comprehensive research question: how can we speed large-scale solar permitting processes, while also reducing community burdens, improving community outcomes, and improving residents’ perceptions of solar? Put simply, how can we develop solar both fast and fair?

We expect this work to generate actionable insights to improve large-scale solar siting processes and outcomes for host communities and the solar industry, speed solar deployment, and ensure that all Americans benefit from the clean energy transition. Learn more about the project here.