In recent years, Northwestern Illinois began to play a critical role in Illinois. Despite being a rural and conservative distict, down every gravel back-road, through every small town, one thing can be found: a solar array.
Because of this, Northwestern Illinois has become the state’s leader in solar energy production. According to the Illinois Power Association, Senate district 45 leads the state in solar energy with over 96,000 kW installed and 239,000 kW in solar projects pending. This outshines the closest competitor, Senate district 35 (the Rockford, IL region), by over 45%.
Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and rural Winnebago counties have seen the largest spike in residential, commercial, and community solar installations. This not only stimulates our local economy and pushes our region towards energy independence, but it brings skilled labor jobs and employment to many Northwestern Illinoisans.
After the United States saw an estimated loss of 9 million jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis, stable economies and industries are as important as ever. Small businesses in the solar industry like Stateline Solar become essential to their community.
That’s why the case is clear to support HB2640, also known as the Path to 100.
Yet, what does this bill hope to accomplish?
• Meet Policy Requirements of 25% by 2025
In 2016, Illinois passed the Future Energy Jobs Act, which created Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standard. This requires Illinois to generate 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. Currently, Illinois has fallen severely behind, with only generating 8%, despite policy requirements of 16% by 2020.
• Avoids a Boom & Bust of Renewable Energy Sector
As incentives dry up in Illinois, it fails to be an enticing market to sell renewable energy systems. National companies have no interest in expanding offices into our region or employing citizens of our community. This is a huge loss in economic revenue and stable, high-skill labor jobs.
• Creates an Estimated 53,000 Jobs by 2033
With the funding shortfall, solar companies have halted hiring, and several have scaled back their operations all together. With the passing of HB2640, the industry can expand into job markets all over the state of Illinois.
• Adds $8.7 Billion in Economic Output
Not only would HB2640 boost the renewable energy market in Illinois, but it would directly benefit each industry that works closely with renewable energy. Examples of these industries would include: banking, real estate, utilities, etc. Simultaneously, small businesses would be able to invest in adopting renewable energy, therefore easing their day-to-day operational costs.
• Expands Consumer & Community Access to Clean Energy
This is by far our favorite talking point. With the refunding of the Illinois Adjustable Block Program, solar becomes more accessible to consumers. The upfront cost of owning a solar system is not accessible to everyone in our community; that’s why the IL ABP is essential for underserved communities.
With nearly 2,000 kW DC installed and servicing over 200 members of our community, Stateline Solar takes each one of these points to heart. It strikes the very core of our mission:
“To preserve the Earth to the best of our abilities and offer our community the best quality care in natural energy.”
This bill will directly and positively impact our region. As Illinois’ leader in solar energy production, we have a responsibility to continue the momentum that has been generated with the transition to clean energy. We hope you join our efforts to pass HB2640.
Show your support for HB2640, also known as the Path to 100.
Contact our representatives today to show your support for the renewable energy movement in our district. Write a letter, call, or contact them via email to join the fight to pass HB2640!
Senator Brian Stewart
50 West Douglas Street
Stewart Centre Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
P: 815-284-0045
Rep. Andrew Chesney
50 West Douglas Street
Stewart Centre Suite 1001
Freeport, IL 61032
P: 815-232-0774
Not a constituent of IL Senate District 45 or IL House District 89? Contact your Illinois legislators today:
Thank you for joining our fight!
