ComEd and Ameresco Complete Community Solar Project at Former Landfill in Belvidere

ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones, Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Doug Scott, Boone County Board Chairman Karl Johnson and representatives of Ameresco, Inc. cut the ribbon today on a community solar project constructed on a former landfill owned by Boone County and operated by the city of Belvidere. It is the 160^th community solar project in ComEd’s northern Illinois service area and one of the first to serve a county government and area businesses.

“The Belvidere project reflects the growing interest beyond the residential sector in the benefits of community solar, and the continued growth of renewables on our system,” said Quiniones. “And we are proud to partner with Ameresco in the conversion of a former landfill to contribute to the clean energy transition and to the local economy.”

Located near the intersection of Illinois Route 76 and Squaw Prairie Road, the project includes two adjacent solar arrays on 34 acres and more than 9,600 solar modules with a total generation capacity of 3.5 megawatts (MW). Boone County is subscribing to approximately 36% of the energy generated, which will provide electricity to county facilities that support public health and safety and other services. Subscribers to the project also include a variety of commercial customers. Community solar subscribers earn credits on their electric bills based on their share of the energy produced and can reduce their electricity bills by up to 10% annually.

“Community solar makes it easier for Illinoisans to access the savings and benefits tied to clean energy, regardless of their income level,” said Chairman Scott. “CEJA set the state on a path toward increased renewable energy sources over the coming decades, and Illinois will continue to make sure renters, homeowners, and commercial customers alike are able to plug into the value tied to the energy transition.”

"The solar project at our City-County landfill in Belvidere has been in the works for several years and was first initiated by former County Administrator Ken Terrinoni,” said Karl Johnson, Boone County Board Chairman. “Our local small businesses can benefit by subscribing to the community solar program and the county will generate additional lease and tax revenue. Landfills are an ideal location for solar projects because there are limited uses for these properties. We will help generate renewable energy while preserving our precious farmland. This is truly a win-win solution."