en.Wedoany.com Reported - Public Storage and Solar Landscape have announced plans to develop 60 rooftop community solar projects in northern Illinois over the next two years, with a total installed capacity of 44 megawatts, all located within ComEd's service territory, with the generated power to be connected to the local grid.
Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd, stated that the growth rate of electricity demand has outpaced supply, and community solar sites represent a clean energy solution that helps close the supply gap and save customers money on their electricity bills. He expects that by the end of this year, ComEd will have approximately 400 community solar facilities in northern Illinois, positioning the region as a leading area for renewable energy development nationwide. This expansion is supported by Illinois clean energy policies, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Clean and Renewable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA). Solar Landscape is a long-term partner of Public Storage.
Shaun Keegan, CEO of Solar Landscape, noted that commercial rooftops are one of the fastest and most scalable opportunities to expand the grid by leveraging existing infrastructure. Through collaboration with ComEd and Public Storage, the projects transform underutilized real estate into energy infrastructure, helping meet growing local electricity demand while reducing electricity costs for Illinois households. This portfolio demonstrates a pathway for utilities, property owners, and private capital to work together to deploy clean energy at scale.
These projects will also drive local job creation and workforce training. Approximately 300 jobs are expected to be supported during the construction phase. Workforce partners include STEP-UP Solar, the Chicago Urban League, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), YouthBuild Lake County, and other Illinois YouthBuild programs, which are preparing residents for careers in the clean energy industry. Since 2024, STEP-UP Solar and its partners have trained 139 people for careers in the solar industry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will also participate in developing local skilled labor to support project delivery and Illinois' clean energy economy.
Nathan Vitan, Chief Legal Officer and Sustainability Executive Sponsor at Public Storage, stated that the company's facilities play an indispensable role in their communities and are committed to extending the lasting benefits of its properties through affordable green energy. Public Storage currently operates the industry's largest portfolio of solar projects, expected to expand to 1,300 properties by the end of 2026. The company looks forward to its collaboration with ComEd and Solar Landscape demonstrating the value of commercial real estate as a community asset.
