The projects will incorporate solar energy into Illinois’ park districts at a new scale, setting a standard for sustainable practices in public spaces across the state and nationwide.
“Illinois has a proven history of implementing energy efficiency programmes, and these projects will only add to that legacy” said Katherine Lillydahl, Sr. Account Executive for DSD’s Developer Network. “Powering these spaces with solar energy is a logical choice as it complements the park districts’ mission of promoting health, wellness, and environmental awareness. These projects present an opportunity for visitors to learn how clean energy can be seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives, and together with General Energy, we’re happy to be a part of making that possible.”
The portfolio consists of five rooftop solar installations:
The Elmhurst Park District will host a 723.93 kW system that will begin construction in September 2024 and is expected to generate 793.5 MWh per year. The installation is anticipated to be operational by summer of 2025.
The Sycamore Park District’s installations for its community center (221.25 kW) and maintenance building (110.33 kW) began construction in June 2024, and will total 331.58 kW. They are expected to be completed in the fall of 2024 and are estimated to produce 397.2 MWh annually.
The Urbana Park District portfolio, which was contracted in June 2024, will have systems at its planning and operations building (217.12 kW), as well as its health and wellness building (270.22 kW), amounting to 487.34 kW with an anticipated generation of 594.8 MWh a year. These projects are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
DSD will finance the development of the projects through 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs), saving the park districts from the costs of development and construction.
“Thanks to DSD’s partnership and financing model, we’re able to provide more impactful and valuable projects in our region” added Tony Jaswal, Vice President of General Energy. “The installations for Elmhurst, Sycamore, and Urbana park districts will have zero upfront cost, providing the districts with the immediate benefits of renewable energy while hedging against future energy costs, allowing them to focus on serving their communities.”
General Energy is part of DSD’s Developer Network, a channel partner program that empowers regional developers with the tools and financing needed to expand their portfolios and grow their businesses. DSD is supporting General Energy through the development phase of these projects and will own and operate the sites long-term following completion. Progressive Business Solutions acted as an energy consultant, supporting the evaluation and contracting of the Urbana and Sycamore park district portfolios.
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