Groundbreaking Ceremony for Castle Solar Project

On October 27, 2025, city officials, project partners, and community members gathered in Detroit’s Van Dyke/Lynch neighborhood to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Castle Solar project – the first of five solar fields in Detroit’s ambitious Solar Neighborhoods initiative. The ceremony marked a major milestone in Detroit’s clean energy transition, with Mayor Mike Duggan and DTE Energy leadership highlighting the environmental and community benefits. The Castle Solar field will transform 42 acres of previously vacant land into a 10-megawatt solar array, helping offset energy costs for 127 municipal buildings, including recreation centers, police, and fire stations.

The event drew attention to the city’s commitment to sustainability, neighborhood revitalization, and equitable development. Residents who remain near the solar fields will be eligible for energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach the local community.

NTH’s Role as Civil Engineer of Record

NTH is proud to serve as the Civil Engineer of Record for the Castle Solar project, providing a comprehensive suite of engineering and field services that have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Our involvement spans every phase of the project, including:

  • Geotechnical Engineering: Conducting soil investigations and analysis to inform foundation design and ensure long-term stability.
  • Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE): Performing Quality Level B services to clear soil boring locations and support safe, efficient construction.
  • Pile Testing: Executing production-phase pile load testing for photovoltaic array foundations.
  • Design Project Management: Coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and managing project milestones.
  • Site Civil Design: Developing site layouts, grading plans, and stormwater management solutions tailored to the unique needs of the solar field.
  • Structural Engineering: Designing and evaluating structural components for solar racking and related infrastructure.
  • Permitting: Navigating local zoning, environmental, and construction permitting processes.
  • Environmental Field Support: Providing environmental due diligence, compliance monitoring, and support for habitat restoration.
  • Construction Material Testing: Inspecting and testing soil, pavement, and concrete to ensure quality and safety throughout construction.