Illinois solar project adapts layout to train tracks, wetland and existing power lines

A new community solar project called Bowes Solar has gone online in Elgin, Illinois, built on a 22-acre farm that had been passed over by developers because of train tracks, high-voltage power lines, an odd-shaped lot and a wetland on one corner. Cultivate Power, the developer, worked around those obstacles using high-density racking technology from Planted Solar to fit more generating capacity onto the site. The project totals just over 9 megawatts across two installations and feeds electricity into ComEd's grid.

This is a community solar project, meaning nearby residents and businesses can subscribe to get bill credits without installing anything on their own roof. Under Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, 580 low- and moderate-income households have already signed up to save 20% on the supply portion of their ComEd bills. Two towns, a church and three small businesses are also subscribed. Combined, all subscribers are projected to save $13.9 million on their electric bills over the next 40 years.

Beyond bill savings, the project is expected to generate about $2.1 million in property taxes over its lifetime, much of it going to School District U-46, plus $575,000 in direct funding for local groups including a food bank, a community college and workforce training programs. If you live in ComEd territory, it may be worth checking whether community solar subscriptions like this one are open in your area, since they can lower your bill without any equipment on your own home.