East St. Louis is making a major push into renewable energy with the launch of the East St. Louis Community Solar Project, a clean energy initiative designed to reduce residents’ electricity costs, create local jobs, and expand access to renewable power in the city.

The project is a partnership between the city, Edelen Renewables, and Renewable Energy Evolution, bringing millions in investment to build solar infrastructure that directly benefits residents and public facilities.

“This community has decided that it wants to be relevant to the opportunities for the 21st century economy, and that we’re gonna benefit from lower power bills and enhanced employment in the area,” said Adam Edelen, founder and CEO of Edelen Renewables.

Project Impact

The solar array will provide free electricity to more than 2,000 households in the city.

An additional 1,000 households could receive discounted power, up to 50% off their energy bills.

The initiative is expected to generate approximately $1.4 million in upfront funding, with more than $700,000 in combined annual savings and revenue for the city and its residents. Over a 15-year period, total economic benefits could exceed $12 million.

The project will also support job opportunities in solar installation, operations, and maintenance, emphasizing local hiring to ensure economic benefits remain in the community.

Expanding Renewable Access

Community solar allows residents who may not have rooftop solar to participate in renewable energy programs and enjoy lower electricity costs. A key feature of this initiative is community ownership, with decision-making and economic benefits shared locally rather than dominated by outside corporate interests.

City leaders emphasized that the East St. Louis Community Solar Project will serve as a model for other cities, showing how local action can drive both economic development and environmental impact.

Looking Ahead

The project marks a significant step forward in Illinois’ clean energy transition, linking renewable power, economic revitalization, and social equity. City officials plan to release additional details about construction timelines and enrollment processes in the coming months, ensuring residents have full access to the benefits of the solar array.

Community solar initiatives like this allow residents—especially renters and those without suitable rooftops—to benefit from renewable energy programs and enjoy lower electricity costs. Similar programs are emerging nationwide; for example, Dimension Energy recently secured $650 million in financing for a 132MW community solar portfolio across four states, expanding access to clean energy for thousands of households.

Factsheet: East St. Louis Community Solar Project

• Project Site: A 120-acre former industrial “brownfield” (previously used for aluminum manufacturing) located near the intersection of North 29th Street and Illinois Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois.

• Development Partners: A collaboration between the City of East St. Louis, Edelen Renewables, and Renewable Energy Evolution.
• Infrastructure Scale: Planned installation of approximately 30,000 solar panels.
• Social Mission: Designed as a Racial and Economic Justice initiative to revitalize contaminated land into a productive clean energy hub.

• Community Benefits:

  • The program will provide free energy to over 2,000 household.
  • An additional 1,000 households will receive a 50% energy discount.
  • The project also aims to lower utility costs for public municipal facilities.
  • Equitable Access: Specifically targets renters and households that cannot install private rooftop solar.

• Economic Impact:

Expected to generate $1.4 million in upfront funding for the City of East St. Louis.

Projected to deliver $12 million in total financial benefits to the city over 15 years.

Includes a Community Ownership Model where the city is expected to take full ownership of the solar array after six years.

Construction Start: On track to begin in Summer 2026.