Summit Ridge Energy, a commercial solar company, and Trajectory Energy Partners, an Illinois-based community solar developer, broke ground at the Rock Cut Solar project in Rockford, Illinois. The project, owned and operated by Summit Ridge, is a 6.2-MW Community-Driven Community Solar (CDCS) project developed by Trajectory and expected to be operational by Q3 2025.

“We’re thrilled to break ground on the Rock Cut Solar project. It’s a unique project that shows how transformative sustainable energy solutions can be, especially when its community is united in a shared vision and goal,” said Mark Raeder, principal. of Summit Ridge. “This project is a perfect example of Summit Ridge’s commitment to community-driven solar initiatives, which provide clean energy to communities that could otherwise be left out of the clean energy revolution. Equally important, we’re able to create local jobs and reduce utility costs for residents through projects like these. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”

As a CDCS project, the goal of Rock Cut Solar is to establish a partnership with Rockford and Winnebago County, fostering a stronger connection between the community and solar energy. Rock Cut Solar Partnership, a team of local community members who were engaged in the development of the project from its earliest days, and who continue to be involved today, are helping ensure project benefits are focused on Rockford and Winnebago County.

Included in the Rock Cut Solar Partnership are two organizations that will act as long-term collaborators on the project: Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity and Get Connected 815, which both address critical housing and employment issues in Rockford and Winnebago County.

The project will be constructed using local union labor. Once the project is energized, residents subscribed to the project can expect savings on their monthly utility bills.

“It’s gratifying to see bills we pass in the state legislature translate into real-world projects that not only reduce our carbon footprint but provide cost savings for local energy consumers,” said State Sen. Steve Stadelma. “State investment in solar technology and resulting community solar projects like this produce green jobs that contribute to local economic growth and environmental sustainability.”

This is Summit Ridge and Trajectory Energy Partners’ thirteenth project working together, all aimed at delivering utility savings to communities across Illinois.

“Trajectory Energy Partners has been working in the Rockford area since 2017, when we first developed a community solar project in the city of Rockford. In 2022, we assembled a small project team of community members and organizations to assist with our community engagement efforts for Rock Cut Solar. Trajectory is proud to work with such dedicated Rockford residents who exemplify the ‘community-driven’ aspect of community solar, and we’re excited to be breaking ground today,” said Jon Carson, founder and managing partner of Trajectory Energy Partners. “In addition to bringing cost savings to Winnebago County residents who subscribe to the project, the project will bring jobs to the Rockford area and more clean energy to the ComEd grid. Rock Cut Solar is a great example of how impactful community solar is in Illinois.”

News item from Summit Ridge Energy