Wilmette Park District is Ready to 'Go Solar' After Governor Pritzker Signs Bill Legalizing Long-Term Solar Contracts

WILMETTE, Ill., July 11, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Wilmette Park District is "going solar" following Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's signing of HB2192, which permits park districts to enter long-term contracts with solar energy providers. The district is immediately finalizing a pending contract with Verde Solutions, a Chicago-based solar company with more than 20 years of experience, for the installation of a roof-top solar array at its Community Recreation Center located on Glenview Road in Wilmette.

"We are very excited for this change in state law that will finally allow us to go solar," said Mike Murdock, Wilmette Park District commissioner and former board president. "The project will cover over 90 percent of the Community Recreation Center's roof and provide more than 50 percent of the building's electrical usage over the next 25 years. It will help us do our part to support the climate and save taxpayer money, all while continuing to provide top-tier services for our residents."

Prior to the law's passage, Illinois park districts have been restricted from entering such long-term contracts. The new law exempts solar contracts from those limitations.

Verde Solutions is installing the project at no upfront cost to the Wilmette Park District. The district anticipates significant savings on electricity costs for decades to come.

"We were able to utilize the roof of the Wilmette Park District's main building to create a substantial amount of renewable energy for the facility, all at no out-of-pocket costs," said Christopher Gersch, founder and chief executive officer of Verde Solutions. "Now that the Illinois legislature and Governor Pritzker have changed state law to allow park districts to enter into these long-term solar contracts, every similar district across the state should evaluate whether solar will work for their facilities, especially given the availability to experience immediate savings without any requirement of upfront capital."

"We are very excited about this project and hope to add solar technology to several of our other facilities in the near future," said Murdock.

About Verde Solutions:

Verde Solutions partners with businesses, municipalities, and educational centers across the country to develop comprehensive efficiency and renewable energy solutions. With more than 2,700 projects in 48 states completed, the turn-key clean energy consulting firm offers a customized set of solutions for each client's needs, including solar, EV charging, commercial battery storage, and more. Verde Solutions' passion for sustainability is shared by all of its municipal, non-for-profit, and Fortune 1000 clients. Thus, it is proud to partner with these organizations to achieve significant and lasting environmental and community improvements.

Source: Verde Solutions