Clearway’s Illinois Community Solar program launched just last year in the fall of 2019. Since, Clearway has generated a steady flow of residential subscription sales, thanks to the program’s savings guarantee for residential subscribers. Clearway’s Illinois customers, and the wider Clearway community, are in good company: Clearway is pleased to announce that Northwestern University is the first major commercial subscriber to Clearway’s Illinois Community Solar program!
Northwestern has signed up for 11.9 megawatts (MW) of Clearway’s Community Solar projects in Illinois, the equivalent of taking 2,934 cars off the road each year. Northwestern’s long-term commitment will support the development and construction of 16 of Clearway’s Community Solar projects in Illinois. The agreement also represents a significant step towards bringing green jobs and locally produced, renewable energy to the state.
“We are excited to announce this partnership and long-term community solar agreement with Northwestern University,” said Craig Cornelius, CEO of Clearway Energy Group. “Partnerships like these are a welcome reminder that, even amidst the challenges overshadowing our communities today, our country’s institutions and citizens can keep making progress towards building a sustainable energy mix and maintaining a livable climate.”
You can view Clearway’s press release announcing the Northwestern partnership here.
Community Solar allows businesses, universities, hospitals, municipalities, and residents alike to support renewable solar power without rooftop panel installations. When rooftop panels are simply not an option due to permitting, historic buildings, shading, or other reasons, Community Solar offers a sustainable solution that equally helps reduce overall electricity costs.
For the solar power generated each month, subscribers receive solar bill credits that help reduce the supply portion of their utility bill. Clearway guarantees residential subscribers 20% off the monthly charge for the solar bill credits – in short, for every $1.00 received in credits, residential customers only pay Clearway $.80.* Customers replace polluted energy on the power grid with 100% renewable energy, and receive a 20% discount on the cost of that power.
The model also creates significant workforce and local economic benefits, drawing millions of dollars of investment in the state. Community solar will support Illinois’ goal of supplying 25% of overall electric sales with cost-effective renewable energy resources by 2025.
To learn more about Clearway’s program and subscribe to a Clearway Community Solar farm in Illinois, please visit clearwaycommunitysolar.com.
*Savings calculated as 20% on the value of the net metering credits generated by the residential solar subscription on the default supply service rate with the utility (ComEd or Ameren). Customers not on their utility default supply rate may not receive the save savings or any savings. Clearway is not responsible for utility delays in applying net metering credits. Refer to the Community Solar contract for agreement terms. Subject to credit approval and 20-year term.
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