Equity Solar Illinois (ESI) today announced the energization of Ducks Solar, the first community solar project combined with a battery energy storage system (BESS) in ComEd’s territory. Located in the City of Oregon, Illinois, the project represents a major milestone in advancing access to clean, reliable energy across the state. The addition of the BESS enables the project to boost overall energy production by capturing excess solar energy and storing it for use during peak demand periods, unlocking additional clean, affordable power that can be used when it is most needed. This system helps deliver steadier, more resilient energy to the communities it serves.
“This project not only expands access to the benefits of affordable solar energy for small businesses and municipalities but also showcases how storage technology can strengthen our state’s energy independence,” said Marcellus Moore, Equity Solar Illinois Principal. “It’s another step forward in ESI’s goal to unite clean energy and community action, contributing to a reliable grid that works for everyone.”
The 7.72-MW community solar project features a 6.8-MWh energy storage system owned by ESI and developed and designed in a collaboration between project developer US Solar and Eneon-ES. The project presents a compelling opportunity for distributed generation to serve as a dispatchable resource to strengthen grid resilience. It will also enable subscribers to reduce energy costs while supporting the state’s transition to renewable power, laying the foundation for a more sustainable, flexible and equitable energy future.
ComEd, which provides electric service to more than 4 million customers in northern Illinois, also praised the project’s contribution to grid modernization and reliability.
“Community solar and energy storage are key components of a clean energy future,” said Gil Quiniones, president and CEO of ComEd. “In addition, projects like Ducks Solar help ensure that the benefits of renewable energy reach more Illinois residents and that our grid is ready for the next generation of distributed power.”
Eneon-ES served as the project’s battery integrator and will provide ongoing system support.
“By pairing solar with storage, we deliver firm, dispatchable generation — not just when the sun is shining, but precisely when power is needed,” said Ken Franklin, President, Eneon-ES. “We’re proud to partner on this effort and remain committed to deploying storage solutions that are essential for meeting Illinois’ long-term energy needs.”
Community Solar is a program that allows residents and businesses to take part in the renewable energy transition and lower their electricity costs without installing panels on their roofs. Participants who subscribe to a community solar project receive credits on their monthly electric bill. Ducks Solar’s subscribers are made up mostly of small commercial businesses.
"Ducks Solar demonstrates how pairing community solar with energy storage delivers real benefits to the people who need them most,” said Stephanie Burgos-Veras, Senior Manager of Equity Programs for the Coalition for Community Solar Access, and a member of the Solar Powers Illinois coalition. “At a time when Illinoisans are struggling with skyrocketing energy costs, projects like Ducks Solar deliver relief — lower bills, greater reliability, and more renewable power to our grid.”
Other key project details of Ducks Solar:
·Located in Oregon, IL, the project consists of over 13,312 solar modules covering over 32 acres.
·The project will generate enough energy to support over 1,375 homes annually.
·The DC Coupled energy storage system can store 6.8 MWh of energy, enough to meet the annual energy consumption of 250 homes.
·The battery energy storage system extends the energy output of the site, enabling it to deliver power for an additional 3-4 hours beyond sunset. This results in an estimated 20-30% increase in carbon-free energy delivery.
·The site and surrounding land — 35 acres total — has been planted and seeded with new pollinators and low-growth native species, which support critical pollinators like butterflies and bees.
About ESI: Equity Solar Illinois was founded in 2022 as a partnership between Chicago community leaders and solar development firm US Solar. Its mission is to advance clean, renewable energy options in the state. ESI is committed to engaging the communities we serve, from local farmers to nonprofit leaders, to ensure all voices are heard and included in Illinois’ clean energy transition.
Learn more:equitysolaril.comFollow ESI: LinkedIn
About ComEd: ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 company and one of the nation’s largest utility companies, serving more than 10.7 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population.
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