Winnebago County residents in Illinois may have a new option for solar power that does not require rooftop equipment and could trim electricity costs.
Organizers outlined the proposal at a New Milford open house, saying the expansion would widen access to locally produced clean energy and generate tax dollars for schools and infrastructure, as the Rockford Register Star reported.
What happened?
The event ran from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at New Milford Village Hall, where Trajectory Energy Partners, IGS Solar, and Summit Ridge Energy hosted an open house on the proposed project, per the outlet.
During the session, organizers said the development would produce local renewable electricity and could help participants save on their bills. Rather than putting panels at their homes or businesses, homeowners, renters, and businesses could subscribe to electricity from the project, organizers said.
Attendees also received information about community solar bill credits through the Illinois Shines program, which can lower electricity supply charges, according to the Register Star.
While this is a community solar project, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on energy, period. If rooftop panels are an option for your home, free tools from EnergySage can help you get quick solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
Why does it matter?
Community solar can make clean energy more accessible for people who do not own a suitable roof, do not want to install panels, or prefer a lower-commitment option. It can also offer a route to electricity savings for renters and small businesses.
Organizers also said the plan could have financial benefits beyond energy production in Winnebago County, according to the Register Star. They said projects involving Trajectory Energy Partners, IGS Solar, and Summit Ridge Energy could bring in tax revenue for county infrastructure work and local school districts.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
The project could mean lower electricity costs, more flexibility in how power is sourced, and community benefits beyond monthly utility bills. More local renewable energy generation can also help reduce pollution associated with traditional power production.
What can I do?
Residents, neighboring property owners, and community leaders used the open house to ask how the proposed solar development would work. Representatives also described enrollment options they said have no upfront costs or contract commitments, the Register Star reported.
If the project moves forward, it could give more residents a practical way to cut electricity costs, support local schools and infrastructure, and benefit from cleaner power without having to install panels on their own property.
If you are considering rooftop solar for your own home, EnergySage's free services can also be useful. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Tools such as EnergySage's solar map show the average cost of a home solar panel system on a state-by-state level, along with solar panel incentives for each state, helping readers get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off grid. Battery systems can also help households make better use of the electricity their panels generate instead of sending it back to the grid at lower value.
To learn more, explore free tools from EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
