Standard Solar has officially entered the Illinois market, announcing the completion of its inaugural project in the state—a 1-megawatt ground-mounted solar array in Libertyville. Developed in partnership with WCP Solar, the installation is now set to provide clean power for Lake County’s Central Permit Facility (CPF).
The new solar farm is a significant step toward the county’s ambitious climate goals. The Lake County Board aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for its government operations, a commitment established in a 2020 resolution. This project directly supports that objective by generating an estimated 1,452,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually.
Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative. “By adopting solar power, we’re not only showcasing our dedication to combating climate change through the expansion of renewable energy and the decarbonisation of our local energy sector, but we’re also achieving significant cost savings for Lake County,” she stated. “Our partnership with Standard Solar represents a meaningful step forward, both environmentally and economically.”
The 1-MW solar installation at Lake County’s Central Permit Facility. (Image: Collected)
The project’s success was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders and project partners. The event underscored the power of public-private collaboration in driving the energy transition. “Great partnerships lead to great projects, and our collaboration with WCP Solar and Lake County exemplifies that,” said Harry Benson, Director of Business Development for Standard Solar. He added that the company is “eager to build on this momentum and bring more impactful projects to Lake County and the great state of Illinois.”
Dr. Everton Walters, President of WCP Solar, echoed this sentiment. “It is extremely gratifying to partner with Lake County and Standard Solar in the development of this exciting solar project. Helping the community of Lake County to reduce its demand for fossil fuel while being a leader in the renewable energy space is tremendously encouraging,” Walters commented.
This installation arrives as Illinois rapidly expands its solar capacity, driven by state policies aiming for 25% of its energy to come from renewable sources by 2025. Benson noted that this “supportive regulatory environment and financial incentives, supported by strong commitments from local governments and communities, create a favourable environment for further solar developments.”
As a national leader in commercial and community solar, Standard Solar develops, funds, and manages assets with a strong foundation of in-house and tax equity investment capital. The company, a portfolio company of Brookfield, now owns and operates over 350 megawatts of solar projects across the United States, providing clean energy solutions for a wide range of clients.
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