The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is participating in a new community solar program called Illinois Shines that’s increasing the use of renewable energy while lowering District expenses.
In fall 2025 the District entered a 20-year agreement with US Solar, a company that builds solar farms — large fields of solar panels — at various locations across the country. The District specifically subscribed to Illinois solar farms in Oregon and Manville, known as the USS Duck and the USS Man, which will produce and deliver roughly half the District’s annual electricity usage, about 1.7 million kilowatts, to the power grid. In return, the District will receive 10% off its corresponding ComEd bills. Future solar farm subscriptions will offset the District’s remaining 1.8 million kilowatts of usage and result in a 10% savings on remaining energy bills.
“By participating in this program, we not only secure financial savings, but we’re supporting the growth of clean energy in Illinois and advancing our organizational sustainability goals, all without capital costs to the District,” said Jessica Ortega, strategic plans and initiatives manager.
Community solar farms allow subscribers a chance to offset their energy usage and lower bills. Credit: marcin jucha/stock.adobe.com
These community solar subscriptions come at no cost to the District. Illinois Shines helps to pay for the construction of the solar farms as part of the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which requires Illinois to be completely powered by renewable energy sources by 2050. Residents and private businesses can sign up for the community solar program as well but may incur subscription fees.
Generating clean solar energy through Illinois Shines aligns with the District’s Clean Energy, Resiliency, and Sustainability Plan, which encourages the District to expand its role as a climate leader in the region by saving energy, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and managing waste. But it’s just one of the ways the District is reducing its carbon footprint.
Solar panels power the District’s fleet building at Blackwell; parts of the Danada Equestrian Center; and hot water systems, flush toilets, and parking lot lights at other preserves. The new net-zero-designed DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center at Willowbrook has solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and other energy-efficient features. Even the electric golf carts at The Preserve at Oak Meadows are charged by the sun, which made the course the first in the nation with a 100% solar-powered cart fleet.
Solar panels atop structures, like the District's fleet building, is just one way the District utilizes solar power.
In 2026 a solar panel array will be installed inside the old racetrack at Danada to power the District’s headquarters office and pump unused energy into the community grid, resulting in a net savings for the District. And when opened in 2027, the District’s new grounds and natural resources campus at Blackwell will also be powered by solar.
As the Forest Preserve District strives to preserve the natural beauty of the area, it will continue to seek a variety of clean energy sources to reduce air pollution and the associated negative impacts to the climate and residents’ health.