Illinois

2022 is on track to be a big year for solar energy in Illinois, with plans to complete more than 8,400 additional solar installations and double its workforce.

Sol Systems will own and operate the portfolio and will work with energy developer Tenaska to develop and construct the projects.

EDP ​​Renewables North America has signed a PPA with cooperative Hoosier Energy to supply communities between the states of Indiana and Illinois from the Riverstart plant.

Also on the rise: Aerial inspection and site data service provider, Heliolytics, acquired by NovaSource. Solar panel recycling firm teams up with Solaris. Investment gets Texas PV developer IndustrialSun ready for launch. Community solar moves forward in Illinois. International team of researchers develop solar-powered hydrogen energy platform.

The capacity was awarded under the Illinois Adjustable Block Program, which was approved in September, after months of industry stagnation.

Also on the rise: China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) criticized the adoption of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by the United States Congress. Source Power Company selected by NJR Clean Energy Ventures to provide customer acquisition and management services to New York community solar project. Scout Clean Energy acquires another midwest solar project. A look at the role solar and energy storage can play in greening the world’s urban spaces.

The acquisition of the $400m Blue Sky Project follows closely on the heels of Scout’s announced purchase of a 112 MW solar project in Missouri.

While federal policy action (or inaction) grabs all the headlines, let’s look back at some of the most impactful state and local developments from 2021.

Once completed, the 200 MW Prairie Wolf Solar Project will be the largest of its kind in Illinois, and will bring the state near 900 MW of installed solar capacity.

Purchased from developer Belltown Power, the two projects are located in Illinois and Kentucky.