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ComEd and Ameresco Complete Community Solar Project at Former Landfill in Belvidere

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ComEd and Ameresco have inaugurated their 160th community solar project in northern Illinois, located at a former landfill in Belvidere. The project features two solar arrays spanning 34 acres with over 9,600 solar modules, generating 3.5 megawatts (MW) of power. Boone County is subscribing to 36% of the generated energy for its public facilities, while various commercial customers make up the remaining subscribers.

The project allows subscribers to earn credits on their electric bills and potentially reduce electricity costs by up to 10% annually. As part of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the project supports the state's goal of reaching 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The installation is particularly significant as Belvidere is an Equity Investment Eligible Community (EIEC), promoting workforce inclusion from equity eligible individuals.

ComEd e Ameresco hanno inaugurato il loro 160° progetto di energia solare comunitaria nel nord dell'Illinois, situato su una ex discarica a Belvidere. Il progetto comprende due impianti fotovoltaici che si estendono su 34 acri con oltre 9.600 moduli solari, generando 3,5 megawatt (MW) di energia. La contea di Boone sottoscrive il 36% dell'energia generata per le sue strutture pubbliche, mentre vari clienti commerciali costituiscono il restante gruppo di sottoscrittori.

Il progetto consente ai sottoscrittori di guadagnare crediti sulle loro bollette elettriche e di ridurre potenzialmente i costi dell'elettricità fino al 10% annualmente. Come parte della legge sull'energia climatica e lavori equi dell'Illinois (CEJA), il progetto sostiene l'obiettivo dello stato di raggiungere il 40% di energia rinnovabile entro il 2030 e il 50% entro il 2040. L'installazione è particolarmente significativa poiché Belvidere è una Comunità Idonea all'Investimento in Equità (EIEC), promuovendo l'inclusione della forza lavoro da parte di individui idonei all'equità.

ComEd y Ameresco han inaugurado su proyecto solar comunitario número 160 en el norte de Illinois, ubicado en un antiguo vertedero en Belvidere. El proyecto cuenta con dos paneles solares que ocupan 34 acres con más de 9.600 módulos solares, generando 3.5 megavatios (MW) de energía. El condado de Boone suscribe el 36% de la energía generada para sus instalaciones públicas, mientras que varios clientes comerciales constituyen el resto de los suscriptores.

El proyecto permite a los suscriptores ganar créditos en sus facturas de electricidad y potencialmente reducir los costos de electricidad hasta en un 10% anualmente. Como parte de la Ley de Justicia Climática y Empleos Equitativos de Illinois (CEJA), el proyecto apoya el objetivo del estado de alcanzar el 40% de energía renovable para 2030 y el 50% para 2040. La instalación es particularmente significativa porque Belvidere es una Comunidad Elegible para Inversión en Equidad (EIEC), promoviendo la inclusión laboral de individuos elegibles para equidad.

ComEdAmeresco는 일리노이주 북부 벨비디어의 옛 매립지에 160번째 지역 사회 태양광 프로젝트를 개소했습니다. 이 프로젝트는 34에이커에 걸쳐 있는 두 개의 태양광 배열을 특징으로 하며, 9,600개 이상의 태양광 모듈이 설치되어 있고, 최대 3.5 메가와트(MW)의 전력을 생성합니다. 분 카운티는 공공 시설을 위해 생성된 에너지의 36%를 구독하고 있으며, 다양한 상업 고객들이 나머지 구독자를 차지합니다.

이 프로젝트는 구독자들이 전기 요금 크레딧을 얻고, 연간 최대 10%까지 전기 비용을 줄일 수 있도록 합니다. 일리노이주의 기후 및 공정한 일자리 법안(CEJA)의 일환으로, 이 프로젝트는 2030년까지 40%의 재생 가능 에너지를 달성하고 2040년까지 50%에 도달하겠다는 주의 목표를 지원합니다. 특히 벨비디어는 형평성 투자 적격 커뮤니티(EIEC)로서, 형평성 적격 개인들로부터의 노동력 포함을 촉진합니다.

ComEd et Ameresco ont inauguré leur 160ème projet solaire communautaire dans le nord de l'Illinois, situé sur un ancien site d'enfouissement à Belvidere. Le projet comprend deux systèmes solaires s'étendant sur 34 acres avec plus de 9.600 modules solaires, générant 3,5 mégawatts (MW) d'électricité. Le comté de Boone souscrit à 36 % de l'énergie produite pour ses installations publiques, tandis que divers clients commerciaux constituent le reste des abonnés.

Le projet permet aux abonnés de gagner des crédits sur leurs factures d'électricité et de potentiellement réduire leurs coûts électriques jusqu'à 10 % par an. Dans le cadre de la Loi sur le Climat et les Emplois Équitables de l'Illinois (CEJA), le projet soutient l'objectif de l'État de parvenir à 40 % d'énergie renouvelable d'ici 2030 et à 50 % d'ici 2040. L'installation est particulièrement significative car Belvidere est une Communauté Éligible à l'Investissement Équitable (EIEC), favorisant l'inclusion des travailleurs issus d'individus éligibles à l'équité.

ComEd und Ameresco haben ihr 160. Gemeinschafts-Solarprojekt im nördlichen Illinois eingeweiht, das sich auf einem ehemaligen Deponiegelände in Belvidere befindet. Das Projekt umfasst zwei Solaranlagen, die sich über 34 Acres erstrecken, mit über 9.600 Solarmodulen, die 3,5 Megawatt (MW) Strom erzeugen. Der Boone County abonniert 36% der erzeugten Energie für seine öffentlichen Einrichtungen, während verschiedene Geschäftskunden den Rest der Abonnenten ausmachen.

Das Projekt ermöglicht es den Abonnenten, Gutschriften auf ihren Stromrechnungen zu verdienen und potenziell ihre Stromkosten um bis zu 10% jährlich zu senken. Im Rahmen des Klimaschutz- und Gerechte Arbeitsgesetze von Illinois (CEJA) unterstützt das Projekt das Ziel des Staates, bis 2030 40% erneuerbare Energie zu erreichen und bis 2040 50%. Die Installation ist besonders bedeutsam, da Belvidere eine equity investment eligible community (EIEC) ist, die die Integration der Arbeitskräfte von equity-eligiblen Personen fördert.

Positive
  • Project adds 3.5 MW of renewable energy generation capacity
  • Subscribers can reduce electricity bills by up to 10% annually
  • Generates additional lease and tax revenue for Boone County
  • Productive use of otherwise -use landfill property
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The completion of ComEd's 160th community solar project represents a significant milestone in Illinois' renewable energy transition. The 3.5 MW facility, built on a former landfill, demonstrates an innovative approach to land utilization and showcases the growing commercial viability of community solar projects. The project's ability to serve both government facilities and local businesses, while offering up to 10% annual electricity bill savings to subscribers, indicates a robust business model.

The project aligns with Illinois' ambitious CEJA targets of 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040. ComEd's projection to interconnect approximately 3,600 MW by 2030 suggests strong growth potential in the renewable energy sector. The increased funding for the Illinois Solar for All program from $30 million to $70 million annually further strengthens the market outlook for community solar developments.

This project exemplifies effective policy implementation under Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, particularly in addressing environmental justice and workforce development. The Equity Investment Eligible Community (EIEC) designation ensures inclusive economic participation, with workforce requirements starting at 10% and scaling to 30% by 2030. The repurposing of a former landfill for renewable energy generation demonstrates sustainable land use practices while preserving valuable farmland.

The initiative's structure, allowing customers to subscribe for up to 200% of their electricity usage, creates an accessible model for clean energy adoption. With 160 active sites serving over 30,000 customers, this framework is proving effective in democratizing solar energy access across diverse socioeconomic groups.

160th community solar project in northern Illinois to serve Boone County and local businesses

BELVIDERE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones, Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Doug Scott, Boone County Board Chairman Karl Johnson and representatives of Ameresco, Inc. cut the ribbon today on a community solar project constructed on a former landfill owned by Boone County and operated by the city of Belvidere. It is the 160th community solar project in ComEd’s northern Illinois service area and one of the first to serve a county government and area businesses.

“The Belvidere project reflects the growing interest beyond the residential sector in the benefits of community solar, and the continued growth of renewables on our system,” said Quiniones. “And we are proud to partner with Ameresco in the conversion of a former landfill to contribute to the clean energy transition and to the local economy.”

Located near the intersection of Illinois Route 76 and Squaw Prairie Road, the project includes two adjacent solar arrays on 34 acres and more than 9,600 solar modules with a total generation capacity of 3.5 megawatts (MW). Boone County is subscribing to approximately 36% of the energy generated, which will provide electricity to county facilities that support public health and safety and other services. Subscribers to the project also include a variety of commercial customers. Community solar subscribers earn credits on their electric bills based on their share of the energy produced and can reduce their electricity bills by up to 10% annually.

“Community solar makes it easier for Illinoisans to access the savings and benefits tied to clean energy, regardless of their income level,” said Chairman Scott. “CEJA set the state on a path toward increased renewable energy sources over the coming decades, and Illinois will continue to make sure renters, homeowners, and commercial customers alike are able to plug into the value tied to the energy transition.”

"The solar project at our City-County landfill in Belvidere has been in the works for several years and was first initiated by former County Administrator Ken Terrinoni,” said Karl Johnson, Boone County Board Chairman. “Our local small businesses can benefit by subscribing to the community solar program and the county will generate additional lease and tax revenue. Landfills are an ideal location for solar projects because there are limited uses for these properties. We will help generate renewable energy while preserving our precious farmland. This is truly a win-win solution."

"We are thrilled to participate in this important milestone for community solar in the ComEd zone,” said Jon Mancini, Senior Vice President at Ameresco. “This project underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions that benefit the county and small businesses. By providing clean, renewable energy, we are reducing the carbon footprint, supporting economic growth and creating a greener future all."

Belvidere is an Equity Investment Eligible Community (EIEC), and the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) of 2021 expands access for such areas to the clean energy economy. EIEC designation requires that at least 10% of the workforce on community solar projects includes equity eligible people, increasing to 30% by 2030.

Community solar allows all ComEd customers to participate in the benefits of clean solar energy without installing solar panels of their own. In Illinois, community solar customers can subscribe for up to 200% of their last 12 months of electricity usage. Energy generated by the community solar project flows to ComEd’s grid and becomes part of the overall energy supply.

The 160 active community solar sites in ComEd’s 11,400-square-mile region serve more than 30,000 customers. More than 1,100 MW of Distributed Energy Resources, including 270 MW of community solar and 450 MW of residential rooftop solar systems, have been interconnected to the ComEd system. ComEd expects to have over 1,900 MW interconnected by 2025 and approximately 3,600 MW interconnected by 2030, or enough energy to power approximately 120,000 US homes for one year.

CEJA increases support for renewable energy to reach 40 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040 in Illinois. It creates nearly 9,800 MW of new solar capacity and increases funding for the Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) program - which provides lower-income customers access to solar power - from $30 million a year to $70 million a year - to support grants for solar projects.

The ILSFA https://www.illinoissfa.com maintains lists of community solar projects, including information on subscription availability and how to register. ComEd customers can visit www.ComEd.com/Solar to learn more about solar options, the interconnection process, and use the ComEd community solar calculator, which provides an estimate for potential customer savings for community solar and rooftop solar systems.

About ComEd

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.​

About Ameresco, Inc.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner, and operator. Its comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state, and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com. The announcement of completion of a customer’s project contract is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such contract, of Ameresco’s overall revenue for any period or of trends in Ameresco’s overall total project backlog. The Belvidere community solar project was included in Ameresco’s previously reported contracted backlog as of September 30, 2024.

Comed: 312-394-3500, Comed.com

Ameresco: Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com

Source: ComEd

FAQ

How many solar modules does the ComEd Belvidere community solar project have?

The ComEd Belvidere community solar project includes more than 9,600 solar modules across 34 acres.

What percentage of the Belvidere solar project's energy is Boone County subscribing to?

Boone County is subscribing to approximately 36% of the energy generated by the Belvidere community solar project.

How much can subscribers save on their electricity bills through this community solar project?

Subscribers to the community solar project can reduce their electricity bills by up to 10% annually.

What is the total generation capacity of the Belvidere community solar project?

The Belvidere community solar project has a total generation capacity of 3.5 megawatts (MW).

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