Key Takeaways

• Nexamp and TurningPoint Energy have launched community solar projects on a reclaimed coal mine in Illinois, providing renewable energy to hundreds.
• The projects utilize 17,000 solar panels and can generate 9.8 megawatts, aiding both residential and low-income households.
• Advanced technology like DERMS is employed to enhance grid reliability, promoting the use of more renewable resources.

Community Solar Projects Transform Former Coal Mine in Illinois

In Woodford County, Illinois, a former coal mine is now serving as a hub for community solar power thanks to Nexamp and TurningPoint Energy. The two companies completed solar projects on the site, which historically produced coal from the 1870s to the 1940s. The site is certified as a brownfield under the Illinois Shines program, making it eligible for incentives aimed at repurposing previously disturbed land.

These solar initiatives mark the first community solar projects developed under Illinois Shines in Woodford County. TurningPoint Energy was responsible for development, while Nexamp built, owns, and operates the solar farms. Gathering sunlight across approximately 40 acres, the solar farms can produce a total of 9.8 megawatts of electricity using nearly 17,000 American-manufactured solar panels. The power generated directly flows into ComEd’s grid.

A significant aspect of these projects is the implementation of Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), which helps manage distributed energy resources like solar power in real time. This innovative technology aids utilities in balancing energy demand and integrating more renewable sources while ensuring grid reliability.

With over 650 participants already subscribed, the projects have gained notable traction. One site caters primarily to around 450 residential customers, while the second benefits approximately 200 low-income households, thus expanding access to community solar savings. Major institutional clients, including Rush University Medical Center and the College of DuPage, also subscribe, collectively representing 40% of the projects’ electricity output, which bolsters stability and encourages community participation.

Nexamp’s CEO, Zaid Ashai, highlighted the importance of these initiatives, noting, “By turning a former coal mine into a pair of community solar farms, we are helping hundreds of subscribers reduce their energy costs today while strengthening their energy security for the long term.” He emphasized that the combination of affordability, U.S.-manufactured equipment, and advanced grid tools like DERMS illustrates how community solar can enhance the grid, making it smarter and more resilient.

This transformation of a former coal mining site into a sustainable energy producer underscores the potential for renewable energy projects in repurposing previously utilized lands, reflecting a commitment to a clean energy future in Illinois.

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