Hello, fellow solar enthusiasts! I’m thrilled today to share some updates with you that demonstrate the positive and dynamic growth happening in the solar industry, as two major announcements have emerged detailing plans for some extensive solar projects in the great state of Illinois. As a solar expert, and a fervent advocate for renewable energy, I simply can’t help but be excited by this news.
For those unfamiliar, Illinois is becoming somewhat of a hub for solar activity. As it stands, the state has 27 GW of installed solar — and get this — an additional 65 GW of solar is expected to be brought online in the next five years. These numbers make it clear that Illinois is shedding light on the future of solar, and it’s a future that’s looking exceptionally bright.
But it’s not just the numbers that are impressive. It’s the ambitious goals being set by the state that really sets the stage for solar’s prominence. In Illinois, a remarkable renewable portfolio standard mandates that 25% of energy must be sourced from renewables like solar by 2025. But they’re not stopping there. Plans are already being laid to have 40% of its energy output come from renewables by 2030, powering toward a remarkable 100% by 2050.
Now, let’s talk about the two solar company powerhouses behind Illinois’ latest initiative. Adapture Renewables is preparing to set work into motion on not one, but two 128 MW solar projects in central Illinois, decked out with over 232,000 solar panels each. These are not small-scale backyard operations – these are solar arrays for home on steroids. The beneficial impact will be numerous, not just for the solar industry, but for the local economy and job market too.
Then there’s the dynamic duo of Nautilus Solar Energy and TurningPoint Energy, who are joining forces to create a four-part community solar portfolio. These projects, based in Kankakee and Livingston counties, will together generate enough energy to power around 3,000 homes and 100 commercial businesses. That’s the power of solar panels for your home working at a community-wide level!
What really moves me about these solar projects, beyond the sheer scale and potential, is the community involvement. Solar has the ability to do more than just power homes; it can power entire communities — economically and socially. TurningPoint Energy, for instance, is keen on making valuable community investment commitments in every locale where they build their community solar projects.
So, if you’re considering joining the solar revolution, whether by being part of one of these burgeoning solar companies or by installing solar panels for your home, take note of the immense achievements happening right now in Illinois. It’s a bright example of the potential that lies in harnessing the sun’s power through a strategic solar array for home usage, and it’s paving a green pathway to a more sustainable future for us all.
Remember, together, we can all shine a little brighter!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/08/solar-on-the-rise-in-illinois/
