ComEd and SunVest Solar have completed four new community solar projects in northern Illinois, two each in Dekalb and Freeport, totaling 88 projects under the ComEd service territory. The projects will help ComEd customers reduce electric bills and support the expansion of renewable and clean energy goals of Illinois.
“Momentum continues to grow as more customers learn about community solar and how it enables them to access clean and renewable energy with little effort on their part,” said Scott Vogt, ComEd’s Vice President of Strategy and Energy Policy. “By the end of 2023, we expect to have 100 community solar projects serving about 25,000 customers.”
While the two SunVest community solar farms in Dekalb incorporate more than 9,400 solar panels and occupy 24 acres on Gurler Road, the two farms in Freeport include more than 11,650 solar panels occupying 23 acres on South Cranes Grove Road. The four solar farms generate 12 MW of clean energy, enough to serve 1,700 Illinois homes.
“SunVest will have developed over 57 MW of community solar projects in northern Illinois by the end of this year, which will significantly increase the opportunity for ComEd customers to enjoy the benefits of community solar,” said Bram Walters, CEO of Chicago-based SunVest Solar.
Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) not only increases support for renewable energy to reach 40% by 2030 and 50% by 2040 but also creates nearly 9,800 MW of new solar capacity and increased funding for the Illinois Solar for All program, which gives lower-income customers access to solar power, from $30 million to $70 million annually.
ComEd filed multi-year grid and rate plans with the Illinois Commerce Commission to support the expansion of renewable energy and help ensure equitable access to the benefits of clean energy under CEJA.
The plans back ComEd 2030, the company's target for a carbon-free energy future to benefit all communities and meet the changing requirements of customers in the future.
