Equity Solar Illinois (ESI) announced the successful energization of its second Community Solar Garden in the state. The project, known as Origami Solar, will generate enough energy to power nearly 1,000 homes while enabling subscribers to save on their electric bills. Its operation also complements the mission of landowner Dean Huisingh’s Huisingh Family Foundation, dedicated to restoring and preserving native Illinois prairie and animal habitat.
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Dean to add more clean, local renewable energy to the Illinois grid while also supporting his crucial mission of land conservation,” said Rena Henderson Mason, ESI Principal.
Huisingh, who owns the land on which ESI built and currently operates Origami Solar, has made it his mission to ingrain a respect for native habitat into generations to come. Next to the solar site, he has constructed a classroom and work building dedicated to teaching about land conservation and also planted acres of species native to Illinois. He hopes to inspire more people to take an interest in prairie habitat and the insects and other wildlife that depend on it.
“I’m putting my land to use in a way that allows me to teach people the importance of preserving and restoring our natural resources,” said Huisingh. “ESI’s solar project is a key part of that — 100% of the lease payments from that project go towards the Foundation’s operation.”
ESI celebrated the energization of Origami Solar with an onsite ribbon cutting on October 14, 2025.
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 Garden receive bill credit savings on their electric bill. Origami Solar’s subscribers are made up mostly of small commercial businesses.
Other key project details of Origami Solar:
·Located in Fulton, IL, the project consists of over 10,500 solar modules covering nearly 28 acres.
·With a capacity of 6.07MWdc, Origami will generate enough energy to support almost 1,000 homes.
·The site 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.
