Illinois expands rooftop community solar with new storage-unit array in Justice

A 763-kilowatt rooftop solar array was commissioned in March on a Public Storage facility in Justice, a Chicago suburb, marking the latest step in Illinois’ aggressive community-solar program. Mayor Krzysztof Wasowicz highlighted the project’s potential to cut electricity costs for subscribers, spur local employment and add taxable revenue. The installation is part of a broader plan for 60 storage-site projects; ten are already operating and the full portfolio will span 5 million square feet, deliver 44 megawatts, produce $36 million in savings and generate 300 construction jobs, per developer Solar Landscape.

State policies enacted in 2016 and expanded last fall provide generous incentives, especially for rooftop sites, while utilities like ComEd see the model as a way to meet affordability, reliability and climate goals. Developers receive renewable energy credits and lease payments, while utilities gain credit toward renewable mandates. Federal tax credits remain available for projects completed by the end of 2027, encouraging rapid deployment.