Guest Commentary | State’s solar potential just starting to show

Lesley McCain | The News-Gazette Solar energy is a bright spot in Illinois’ economy, rapidly creating jobs across the state. And we’re just getting started. Solar businesses, unlike those in many other industries, are rushing to Illinois to set up shop. These companies are attracted by falling equipment costs and a stable state policy that…

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New program makes soaking up the sun easy

Blake Haas | WJBC NORMAL – As the summer heats up, residents in Bloomington-Normal can catch some rays at a discounted price. For homeowners, farmers, or business owners soaking up the sun has never been easier in the Twin Cities. Solar Bloomington-Normal achieved its first benchmark program since it was founded in 2016, triggering a…

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Three more solar projects seek permits in Marshall County

Gary L. Smith | The Peoria Journal Star LACON — Marshall County has become something of a hotbed of the 2-megawatt “community solar” projects that are a staple of the state’s emerging solar industry, and three are scheduled for public hearings this week before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Highland Park-based Trajectory Energy Partners LLC,…

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Area wind farms bring in construction jobs

Rebecca Susmarski | The Register-Mail GALESBURG — Area wind farms brought in many jobs during their construction phases, but not as many jobs remained after the projects’ completion. Invenergy LLC’s Bishop Hill I and Bishop Hill III wind farms in Henry County provided approximately 220 and 214 jobs, respectively, at the pinnacle of each project’s…

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