ComEd and Summit Ridge Energy have successfully finished three community solar initiatives in Dekalb County, Illinois. With these additions, the total count of community solar projects in ComEd’s northern Illinois region has reached 103, with Summit Ridge responsible for nearly 40% of them. These projects not only provide ComEd customers with cost savings on their electricity bills but also contribute to the growth of renewable energy and the realization of Illinois’ ambitious clean energy objectives. By embracing community solar, ComEd and Summit Ridge are actively driving the adoption of sustainable energy solutions and propelling Illinois towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“ComEd and Summit Ridge take great pride in their prominent position in advancing the expansion of community solar in Illinois,” expressed Scott Vogt, Vice President of Strategy and Energy Policy at ComEd. “We are delighted to collaborate with developers who share our commitment to enhancing customer access to clean energy, and we commend Summit Ridge for its exemplary leadership in the flourishing community solar sector in Illinois.” By fostering such partnerships and recognizing the importance of community solar, ComEd and Summit Ridge are actively championing the accessibility and adoption of sustainable energy solutions, paving the way for a brighter and greener future in Illinois.
The latest endeavors by Summit Ridge encompass three new projects, with two located in Sandwich, Ill., and one in Lee, Ill. These projects collectively encompass an impressive 46 acres in DeKalb County and boast a total of over 15,000 solar panels. Together, they will generate approximately 8.7 MW of clean energy, which is sufficient to meet the energy demands of approximately 1,000 to 1,200 average households. Notably, each project incorporates ground cover that is friendly to pollinators, thereby extending the positive impact on the local environment. By the conclusion of 2024, Summit Ridge is projected to possess an energy portfolio of around 335 MW throughout Illinois, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Mark Raeder, the principal of Summit Ridge Energy, expressed his satisfaction with the rapid development of the ComEd region as one of the country’s most rapidly expanding markets for community solar. He stated, “We are delighted to contribute to this growth.” Summit Ridge Energy is making remarkable progress, with plans to finalize nearly 40 community solar projects within ComEd’s service territory by the year’s end. These initiatives will not only deliver dependable clean energy but also offer cost savings to ComEd’s valued customers. Through their dedicated efforts, Summit Ridge Energy is actively shaping a sustainable and economically viable future for the community.
Illinois took a significant step towards a greener future with the implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021. This groundbreaking legislation sets ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040 across the state. As part of this initiative, the act facilitates the creation of nearly 9,800 MW of new solar capacity. Additionally, it substantially enhances funding for the Illinois Solar for All program, which provides lower-income customers with access to solar power. The program’s annual funding has been increased from $30 million to $70 million, ensuring that more individuals and communities can benefit from clean and affordable energy sources. With the CEJA in place, Illinois is well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable energy adoption and equitable job creation.
Earlier this year, ComEd submitted multi-year grid and rate plans to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that are in line with the state’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and promoting equitable access to its advantages under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). These plans are designed to facilitate the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources while ensuring that all communities can reap the benefits of clean energy. ComEd’s vision for the future, known as ComEd 2030, is centered around a carbon-free energy landscape that addresses the evolving needs of customers and benefits every community. By aligning their plans with this vision, ComEd is actively working towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future for the remainder of this decade and beyond.
ComEd offers a remarkable opportunity for all customers to enjoy the advantages of clean solar energy through community solar. This innovative program allows participants to access solar power benefits without the need to install solar panels on their properties. Instead, they can subscribe to a solar energy “farm” consisting of panels owned by an independent developer. By doing so, participants earn credits on their monthly ComEd bills, corresponding to their share of the energy produced by the community solar project.
In Illinois, customers have the flexibility to subscribe for up to 200% of their electricity usage over the past 12 months. This empowers individuals and communities to take full advantage of the benefits of solar energy, even if their energy consumption fluctuates. The energy generated by these community solar projects is seamlessly integrated into ComEd’s grid, contributing to the overall energy supply and promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for Illinois.
