Solar FlexRack, a division of Northern States Metals, said in a statement that it supplied trackers for a 42 MW portfolio of community solar projects in Illinois.
The trackers were offered to Summit Ridge Energy, an owner-operator of community solar assets. The portfolio includes 14 projects as part of Illinois Shines, a state-administered program that creates incentives for the development of new solar PV projects.
These projects were established through the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which was signed into law on September 15th, 2021, re-establishing the Illinois Shines ABP, which authorizes the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from solar panel system owners. At least 250 MW of new community solar projects have been approved through this program.
When completed, these projects will allow an estimated 35,000 families to reduce their electric bills without installing solar panels.
“Having completed hundreds of cold weather challenged projects in Canada and the Northeastern U.S. over the past decade, we look forward to further utilizing our expertise and tracker technology in these impactful projects,” said Greg Lewis, director of sales, Solar FlexRack.
In addition to providing affordable renewable energy to local communities, this 42 MW portfolio contributes to the state’s goal of reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050.
These projects will also contribute to what is expected to be one of the largest years for solar energy in Illinois’ history, with the state’s renewable energy industry planning to complete more than 8,400 rooftop and community solar projects and increase its workforce by 50 percent by the end of 2022.
