DSD Renewables (DSD) is partnering with General Energy Corporation to deploy a 1.54 MW portfolio of rooftop solar projects across three Illinois park districts. The facilities, located in Elmhurst, Sycamore and Urbana, are estimated to generate approximately 1.8 GWh of solar energy annually that can be used to power operations and reduce the carbon footprint.
These projects will integrate solar energy on a new scale into Illinois park districts, setting a standard for sustainable public space practices across the state and nation.
“Illinois has a proven history of implementing energy efficiency programs, 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 because it complements the park districts’ mission to promote health, wellness and environmental awareness. These projects offer visitors the opportunity to learn how clean energy can be seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, and together with General Energy, we are excited to be part of making that possible.”
The portfolio consists of five rooftop solar installations:
- The Elmhurst Park District will house 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 expected to be operational in the summer of 2025.
- Sycamore Park District installations for the 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 late 2024 and are estimated to produce 397.2 MWh annually.
- The Urbana Park District portfolio, which was contracted in June 2024, will feature systems in the Planning and Operations Building (217.12 kW), as well as in the Health and Wellness Building (270.22 kW), which amounts to 487 .34 kW with an expected generation of 594.8 kW. MWh per 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, saving the park districts the costs of development and construction.
“DSD’s partnership and financing model allows us to deliver more impactful and valuable projects in our region,” said Tony Jaswal, VP of General Energy. “The installations for the Elmhurst, Sycamore and Urbana park districts will have no upfront costs, giving the districts 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 provides regional developers with the tools and financing needed to expand their portfolios and grow their businesses. DSD will support General Energy during the development phase of these projects and will own and operate the sites long-term upon completion. Progressive Business Solutions acted as energy consultant and supported the evaluation and contracting of the Urbana and Sycamore park district portfolios.
News item from DSD Renewables