Standard Solar Acquires 9MW of Illinois Community Solar, Enhancing Grid Reliability and Supporting Local Communities
New community solar gardens in Zion and Kankakee will strengthen the energy economy and contribute to U.S. energy independence
ROCKVILLE, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#cleanenergy—Standard Solar, a leading commercial and community solar developer and asset owner, has acquired two community solar projects in Illinois from Cenergy Power.
The two community solar gardens in the City of Zion and Kankakee County, totaling more than 9 megawatts (MW), will provide affordable, renewable energy to local residents and businesses while advancing Illinois’ ambitious clean energy goals, which include achieving 100% clean energy by 2050, with interim targets of 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
These acquisitions expand Standard Solar’s presence in the state, bringing its owned, operational, under-construction and contracted projects to more than 150 MW.
The 2.53 MW solar array in Zion features fixed-tilt technology and is expected to generate approximately 3,705 megawatt hours (MWh) of clean energy in its first year of operation. Another system, a 6.65 MW installation in Kankakee County, will produce approximately 10,507 MWh in its first year. Both projects are scheduled to be completed in early 2026.
“Illinois is an exciting and growing market for community solar, and we are pleased to expand our footprint in the state with the acquisition of these projects,” said Megan Byrn, Vice President of Business Development, Standard Solar. “Mid-sized distributed generation (DG) solar arrays like these are critical for balancing the grid, improving land management and strengthening U.S. energy dominance. These projects will not only provide local communities with lower energy costs but also put more clean power on the grid, helping to meet increasing electricity demand.”
Cenergy Power developed the projects, and Standard Solar will own and operate the arrays to ensure long-term energy cost savings for subscribers.
“The successful development of these community solar projects reflects our commitment to expanding renewable energy solutions in Illinois and to our local community partners in Illinois,” said Chad Chahbazi, Senior Vice President, Project Development at Cenergy Power. “We are excited to work with Standard Solar to bring these projects to completion and deliver economic and environmental benefits to local communities.”
Residents and businesses in the area can subscribe to these community solar projects, saving on their electricity bills without installing solar panels on their property. Find out more here.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar is powering the nation’s energy transformation – channeling its project development capabilities, financial strength and technical expertise to deliver the benefits of solar and solar + storage to businesses and institutions, farms, governments, communities and utilities. Building on 20 years of sustainable growth and in-house and tax equity investment capital, Standard Solar is a national leader in developing, funding and long-term ownership and operation of commercial and community solar assets. Recognized as an established financial partner with immediate, deep resources, the company owns and operates more than 500 megawatts of solar across the United States. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Standard Solar is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets. Learn more at standardsolar.com, LinkedIn and on X: @StandardSolar.
For project acquisition and development inquiries, contact Megan Byrn, Vice President of Business Development, at megan.byrn@standardsolar.com and on LinkedIn.
About Cenergy Power
Grounded by a deep sense of economic responsibility, Cenergy Power’s (“Cenergy”) mission is to develop and build clean energy projects that generate significant benefits for local community partners. Cenergy was formed in 2006 by experienced electrical engineers and transactional professionals. Today, Cenergy is a leading national commercial solar developer with over 450MWs of solar experience working with local communities and businesses on value-added solar and solar plus storage solutions. Learn more about Cenergy at www.cenergypower.com.
Contacts
PR Contact:
Leah Wilkinson
Wilkinson + Associates for Standard Solar
703-907-0010
