Illinois Portfolio

Borrego’s EPC team brought decades of learnings and expertise to the budding Illinois solar market with this 13-site portfolio totaling 38 MW of energy across the state. This portfolio was among the first 200 MW of community solar projects ever built in Illinois, due to the passing of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016. These sites are expected to offset 40,725 metric tons carbon dioxide annually, which is the equivalent of taking 8,775 gas-powered cars off the road each year.

Job Training & Local Regulation Guidance

Since solar emerged as a new industry in Illinois, this portfolio increased job opportunities and crucial solar job training. In fact, the Borrego portfolio alone created hundreds of jobs in Illinois. Additionally, Borrego’s team trained subcontractors who were entirely new to solar, giving them foundation to work on future projects. 

Our teams, technically skilled at coordinating with local authorities and meeting regulations, also assisted utilities in navigating the process working with AHJs, in some instances, writing the litmus test for safety procedures in these regions.

Community Solar Impact

These sites power two utilities in Illinois — ComEd and Ameren, and the energy from these sites will be available to local subscribers through this community solar program. These systems are expected to produce a total of 57,465,760 kWh of energy annually and would power 5,130 homes in Illinois annually.

Maintaining Local Agriculture Use

Because agriculture is a lifeline industry in these regions of Illinois, maintaining the farmland was paramount to Borrego’s process. From start to finish, these solar systems are built to ensure that the farmland is returnable to use after the solar contract is complete. For instance, caring for the local environment, Borrego hydroseeded the land to prevent erosion, planted pollinator-friendly plants and grasses, and ensured nearby farmland and cattle could co-exist safely with the system.