Brimfield, Illinois, has achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating the state’s first community solar project situated on public school grounds. The new three-megawatt Jubilee Solar farm, part of the Illinois Shines Public Schools initiative, is set to generate substantial annual savings for the school district and provide economic and environmental benefits to the wider community.
Key Takeaways
- Brimfield School District is the first in Illinois to host a community solar project on public school property.
- The Jubilee Solar farm is expected to save the district over $22,000 annually.
- The project features over 5,400 solar panels and is owned and operated by Nexamp.
- Area residents can save up to 15% on their energy bills by subscribing to the solar farm.
A Bright Future for Brimfield Schools
The Jubilee Solar farm, developed by Trajectory Energy Partners and now owned and operated by Nexamp, a national clean energy company, is poised to significantly reduce the Brimfield School District’s energy expenditures. Superintendent Chad Jones expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the substantial financial benefits that can be reinvested into educational programs and facility improvements. "That is a significant amount of money that can be redirected toward future capital projects and other enrichments to better the school and student outcomes," Jones stated.
Community Collaboration and Benefits
This innovative project involves over 5,400 solar panels feeding electricity into the Ameren Illinois utility grid. It is designed to benefit community solar subscription customers, offering long-term economic and environmental advantages. Jessica Collingsworth, Nexamp’s Central Policy Director, emphasized the project’s role in delivering lasting value. "By collaborating with local leaders and prioritizing the needs of the school and residents, Jubilee Solar is more than just another generation resource; it provides savings, opportunity, and long-term resilience."
Peoria County Board chair James Dillon lauded the initiative, drawing parallels to successful county-level solar projects. He noted the importance of finding the right partners, such as Trajectory Energy Partners, to achieve budget savings and contribute clean energy to the grid.
Illinois Shines Paves the Way
As a qualified project under the Illinois Shines program, Jubilee Solar leverages the public schools category, enabling school districts to host solar installations. This not only cuts operational costs for the district but also extends energy savings to the entire community. Area subscribers have the opportunity to reduce their energy bills by up to 15% without the need for personal solar panel installation.
Ameren Illinois is also supporting the transition, with Andy Parker, director of Ameren’s Clean Energy Transition strategy, stating, "By working together, we’re advancing a modern, flexible grid that can better serve our customers and provide real savings to organizations like the Brimfield School District and households across our service area."
Kiersten Sheets, senior project manager for Trajectory Energy Partners, described the opening as a landmark achievement for both the school district and the state, underscoring the collaborative effort between local leaders, developers, and policymakers in maximizing the benefits of solar energy.
