When it comes to solar, Illinois is getting it right. In 2017, the state passed the Future Energy Jobs Act, a law that will jumpstart a solar market with equity at its core. This victory was the result of years of hard work by a broad coalition of community groups, environmental organizations and other stakeholders who saw the growing renewable energy economy as a chance not just to clean the air, but to catalyze economic opportunity in frontline communities.
Earlier this month, GRID Alternatives paid tribute to that effort and celebrated the coming Solar For All program with our first project in Illinois, a demonstration of the myriad ways solar can benefit local communities. We partnered for the installation with Millennium Solar Electric—a third-generation family business that has a deep commitment to community-based hiring and training--and Quality Electrical Construction, a disabled veteran- and minority-owned business. The crew of trainees included 3 electricians from Millennium expanding their knowledge of solar installation, as well as students from Safer Foundation and Chicago Women in Trades.
It was unseasonably warm as we all gathered on the front lawn of Yvonne Johnson’s home in Chicago’s South Deering neighborhood to get started. Ms. Johnson is retired after 14 years at the University of Chicago and often cares for her young grandson. Her electricity bills range from $75 to $200 per month, and she was excited, if a bit skeptical. “This thing better work,” she told us several times over the course of the project.
It was with that mantra in mind that the crew got to work cutting rails, installing footings and conduit, and eventually laying panels. The 5.2kW system took two full days to install, and at the end of the second day Ms. Johnson saw the green light on her inverter--it was working! Once the system is interconnected with her utility, Ms. Johnson will see her electricity bills drop by 45 percent. She’ll also be getting energy efficiency upgrades from Elevate Energy that will save her another 4 percent on her electricity and nearly 30 percent on gas. Combined, she’s expected to save $935 per year.
A tremendous thank-you to Ms. Johnson, the trainees, Millennium Solar, Quality Electrical Construction and the many partners who helped make this demonstration project a success: Blacks in Green, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Faith in Place, Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, Elevate Energy and 7th Ward Alderman Greg Mitchell. We’d also like to thank our generous donors Sunrun, Wells Fargo, SunPower and the Baskin Family Foundation.
Check out photos from the installation and open house event here and here.