Hello dear readers, welcome back to my blog, your trusted source for all things solar! Today, we’re going to explore, in a simplified manner, the impressive growth of solar in Illinois, thanks to heavy hitters like Summit Ridge Energy and Castillo Engineering. This information should be especially helpful for anyone considering solar panels for their home, want to grasp the benefits of a solar array for home use, or just looking to understand the landscape of solar companies at work in your area.
Summit Ridge Energy, known for their strategic and effective approach to solar, is planning 26 community solar installations as part of the Illinois Shines program, a locally curated initiative focused on the development of distributed generation and community solar projects. The projects, that fall under an 82 MW portfolio, are projected to average about 3 MW each, a significant contribution considering Illinois’ ever-growing appetite for renewable energy.
These projects aren’t your run-of-the-mill solar arrays either. They take advantage of cutting-edge bifacial solar modules. These modules are designed to capture sunlight on both sides, increasing energy production, and are mounted on single-axis solar trackers for maximum sunlight exposure. What’s more, most of these projects will be equipped with pollinator-friendly habitats, proving once again how solar companies are committed to supporting biodiversity and ecological preservation.
Castillo Engineering is the secret weapon behind these installations, tasked with providing design and engineering services for the portfolio. Construction on many of these projects is expected to start in Q1 2024, with a target completion by Q4 2024. By the end of 2024, Castillo and Summit Ridge Energy together will have surpassed over 120 projects putting out over 375 MW combined, making their mark on the Illinois solar landscape.
Solar in Illinois is not just a trend, it’s a revolution. The state’s renewable portfolio standard mandates that 25% of its energy should come from renewable sources by 2025. As of 2023, the state reported 2.35 GW of installed solar with expectations to grow more than 1,700% in the next five years. Illinois is home to the fourth largest community solar operating capacity in the U.S, and with companies like Summit Ridge Energy and Castillo Engineering at the helm, this will only continue to rise.
Community solar in the U.S is projected to increase from 6 GW in 2023 to 14 GW by 2028, further asserting the importance and potential of solar. Whether you’re considering solar panels for your home, supporting solar companies, or just interested in what a solar array for your home could offer, the future of solar is shining ever brighter.
Stay tuned to my blog as we continue to follow this exciting journey of solar innovation and growth, casting light on the incredible work being done by pioneering solar companies across the country.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/06/summit-ridge-plans-26-community-solar-installations-in-illinois/
