As part of Earth Week in the USA, an innovative public solar energy project in the south of Chicago drew special attention, providing hundreds of households with environmentally clean electricity. This is not only a step toward green energy but also an example of social justice in action.
Solar energy — not just for roofs
Reactivate, a company specializing in renewable energy projects for working families and residents with low to moderate incomes, is implementing a large-scale initiative of “public solar energy.” One of the flagship facilities is Verduin Solar, located in Chicago Heights, Cook County.
Over 20 acres, more than 5200 solar panels have been installed, powering homes and businesses throughout the region — regardless of their distance from the site, as long as they are within one of the service zones.
“Many residents cannot install panels on their roofs — due to old infrastructure or because they rent their homes. Public solar energy provides access to clean energy without the need for large investments,” — explains CEO of Reactivate Utopia Gill.
How does it work?
The model is simple: clients subscribe to a share of the produced solar energy. They continue to receive electricity from the grid, but in return, they get monetary compensation in the form of credits to their accounts.
These projects connect to the power grid with support from energy company ComEd, which already has 173 active public solar energy sites in the region, and another over 700 — in the queue.
Sun in the city: the example of Bronzeville
A symbol of sustainable development in downtown Chicago is the unique “Smart Flower”, installed in the Bronzeville district. It not only generates electricity for the former YMCA, now converted into a residential building, but also serves aesthetic and educational functions.
“This motorized flower tracks the sun’s movement and generates 40% more energy than standard solar panels,” — explains Mark Milby from the nonprofit organization Elevate.
“It is a beacon of clean energy for our community,” — adds Executive Director of Renaissance Collaborative Oggie Eggleston.
The sun creates jobs
According to US Department of Energy, in 2023, employment growth in the clean energy sector exceeded the rate of other industries by twice. Public solar projects create jobs and invest in the local economy.
Want to join?
To learn more about public solar energy projects in Illinois, visit the official resource Illinois Shines, where you can find a list of verified providers and available projects.
